Model Rocketry/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I will be happy to take on questions about low-power rocketry in general, including rocket design, operating characteristics of blackpowder motors, low-power motor selection, rocket construction, aerodynamics, parachute and streamer duration competition, boost glide (and a little rocket glide), egg loft, altitude competition, and scale competition. I can help you with Barrowman stability calculations, but I am not a rocksim user. I know the basics of mid-power rocketry and small composite motors but I don't fly them much (I'd rather stretch my money by sticking with low-power). I believe I can explain many concepts in a way that just about anyone can follow (and maybe even over-explain?). I absolutely do not mind "newbie" questions one bit; the only bad question is the one you don't ask!

Experience in the area

I have flown model rockets for some 40 years, including a few early years of NAR competition. I have been active at the local club level as well as in the NAR. I enjoy designing and developing unconventional designs (the kind of thing you look at and say "it won't fly!").

Organizations

National Association of Rocketry

Publications

Model Rocketry (magazine)

Education/Credentials

I am an aerospace engineer who has worked professionally in the field for over 30 years. I have worked often with local school, church, and scout groups to lead introductory build-n-fly sessions.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Mika07/17/09101010Thank you
Melissa05/07/0910101010Wow! Thanks for an amazingly thorough and .....
scott03/20/0910101010Thanks Dave! I appreciate all the information .....
Brian09/03/0810101010Mr. Landgraf answered all my questions thoroughly .....
Richie08/25/08101010 

Recent Answers from Dave Landgraf

2009-11-14 Wire Gauge:

Hi Alan, I don't have information handy on the size of the side conductors, but the Estes-type igniters really only rely on the tiny bridge wire at the tip to get hot. The two leads on the sides could

2009-10-27 rocket nozzle:

Hello, Veerendra, It sounds like you have started a very ambitious experiment. I hope you are using good safety practices, and have a teacher or experienced advisor to help build these motors properly

2009-10-09 Bottle Rockets: Fin Location V. Altitude:

Hi, Dev, I am guessing that when you say "bottle" rocket you mean the kind made from a big plastic soda bottle, that squirts water, and not the kind of bottle rocket that they sell at fireworks stands

2009-09-28 rocket matirails:

Hi Derek, You can make your own body tubes from several different paper materials, and a few plastic ones. If you roll plain old copy machine paper you can make a decent tube (spray one side with contact

2009-08-30 rocket homemade launch pads:

Tim, I believe there are plans for a simple launcher on the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) website. Try: http://www.nar.org/NARTS/mahler/ultra.html The Apogee rocketry website may also have

 

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