Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Make a Paper Rocket More Aerodynamic

Paper rockets are an exciting hobby for the science enthusiast. A paper rocket can achieve high altitudes and can carry camera payloads that produce beautiful, panoramic shots. Paper rockets are inherently fragile due to their primary construction material. After several flights, the paper shaft that makes up the body of the rocket may have dents that negatively impact its aerodynamic performance. There are several things you can do to make your paper rocket more aerodynamic, which helps it to achieve straighter flight and higher altitudes.

Things You'll Need

Wood filler
Paint brush
Sand paper, 500 grain and 800 grain
Spray primer
Spray paint, glossy
Spray finish

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the shaft of the rocket for any irregularities. Irregularities can occur through a rough landing from a used rocket and a brand new model rocket kit may even come with a few dents. The rocket body should be as close to a perfect column as possible. If there are any dents or scratches, fill them with a basic wood filler used for finishing furniture. Apply the filler with a basic paint brush.
- 2
  Scrape away any excess filler so that the rocket shaft is perfectly cylindrical. Allow the wood filler to cure. The curing time depends on the ambient temperature and the exact brand of wood filler you used. Refer to the directions on the wood filler packaging for curing times.
- 3
  Sand the cured wood filler with 500 grain sand paper to make it as smooth as possible. At the speeds the rocket travels, even small irregularities can increase drag and slow your rocket and move it off course.
- 4
  Spray the shaft of the rocket with spray primer. This prepares it for the paint layer. The paint layer not only makes the model rocket more attractive, but it also creates a smoother, more aerodynamic surface.
- 5
  Allow the primer to dry, then sand the entire rocket. You may want to add several layers of primer, sanding in-between each application. For the final sanding, use slightly moist sandpaper. This produces a smooth finish.
- 6
  Spray paint the rocket with the desired color. Apply several very light coats. You do not want paint to pool and drip down the side of the rocket. This can upset the center of gravity of the rocket as well as increase drag and reduce stability.
- 7
  Allow the paint to dry.
- 8
  Spray the rocket with a light coat of spray finish. This will produce a clear coat of plastic that not only seals the paint and prevents flaking, but also produces a smooth surface.
- 9
  Allow the coat of spray finish to dry and then sand it with 800-grit sandpaper. This will produce a high-gloss finish. The glossier the finish, the smoother the surface of the rocket shaft. This smoothness reduces drag and improves aerodynamic performance.

Science