Deployable grid fins tests (now with Micro Hinge Technology !)

[sgt_flyer]

Hello, i'm currently experimenting with stock deployable Grid fins -

the first version, showcased in the album, houses docking ports jr, a decoupler and a small cubic strut based hinge.

only downside, is that docking events with engines firing reset the throttle to 0, so it works better before the launch

the grid fin itself is made of 17 parts, with the whole mecanism, it's 29 parts. (not counting the 'carrier' body)

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test craft download : http://www./download/47lr5r3hbnlx645/Grid_fin_open_test.craft

feel free to test it out, and post your own experiments

edit :

Micro Hinge technology test !

Miniaturisation technologies knows no bounds !

now, with LV1-R + ox-stat solar panel based microhinge (so now the thing articulates is better than ever, without having a huge footprint ! )

yes - all the articulation system is now attached on the side of the fuel tank (instead of needing a 'hidden' compartment - though you'll still need a hidden compartment if you need the grid fin to dock back )

the small standard LV1 at the top is only there to give a bit of weight to the grid fin (as the grid fin is almost weightless due to physicless parts )

Flight test version of the non dockable micro hinge grid fins : the thing don't move at all relatively to the rocket after deployement - even when manoeuvering the rocket (this test rocket has 1.82 TWR at liftoff) !

Download here : Micro Hinge Grid fin

Edited March 10, 2015 by sgt_flyer

[Mister Kerman]

What's a grid fin?

[GusTurbo]

That's awesome! I have a feeling I know what you have in mind for these.

[sgt_flyer]

@JHadden123

you can find some examples / explanations here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_fin

basically, a grid fin, like a tail fin, is a control surface used to steer / stabilize an aircraft (generally used in missiles / rockets) in atmosphere. however, contrary to classic tail fins, they can be easily folded against the body of the vehicle, allowing compact storage.

instead of having a big vertical surface, you have a lot of small surfaces in a grid pattern

@GusTurbo yeah, i also have that feeling ^^ weird huh ?

[Arugela]

If these are stock in game why don't I have these? Was there some patch I missed?

[xoknight]

If these are stock in game why don't I have these? Was there some patch I missed?

stock as in he used stock parts to make this..

[Majorjim!]

If these are stock in game why don't I have these? Was there some patch I missed?

We make our own parts now.

[Azimech]

I love them!

But I have a tiny question.

Isn't it that the real life grid fin setup means that before deployment drag and lift is limited due to redirected airflow (and somehow the words "disturbed boundary layer effect" popped into my mind but maybe I'm just putting words together).

In KSP using FAR, NEAR and Errordynamics there is no real airflow, just the construction of putting a virtual drag remover between the object and the direction of travel (they call it a fairing), which has an effect if using FAR or NEAR, but not Errordynamics.

I don't see a fairing. This means that before deployment, you have an even higher drag.

But maybe I've had too much alcohol :-P

[sgt_flyer]

I love them!

But I have a tiny question.

Isn't it that the real life grid fin setup means that before deployment drag and lift is limited due to redirected airflow (and somehow the words "disturbed boundary layer effect" popped into my mind but maybe I'm just putting words together).

In KSP using FAR, NEAR and Errordynamics there is no real airflow, just the construction of putting a virtual drag remover between the object and the direction of travel (they call it a fairing), which has an effect if using FAR or NEAR, but not Errordynamics.

I don't see a fairing. This means that before deployment, you have an even higher drag.

But maybe I've had too much alcohol :-P

they don't use fairings for grid fins simply having it stowed is generally enough - and they are always at the end of what they are supposed to stabilize, so the induced drag further stabilize the object however, the ones i made are purely for decorative purpose

http://40.media.tumblr.com/71833703eb619e6e9a7bada49bd1dd6e/tumblr_mqddfh0B7m1s54kzho1_1280.jpg

[Starwhip]

I have no idea how you made this, very cool.

[Yukon0009]

Niiiice job mate.

When I first saw this I thought you were making mod parts.

[sgt_flyer]

Added my new Micro Hinge technology test (with a grid fin) on the first page it's crazy how working on something can lead to great discoverys, applicable in other domains

[EladDv]

did someone say Falcon 9?

[sgt_flyer]

Falcon 9 grid fins deploys the other way (from a down position upwards) (because the rocket is ballistic engine first when they deploy ) it'll need a counterweight system + docking to try to reverse the current drag / gravity based motion

[Majorjim!]

did someone say Falcon 9?

All I hear is Soyuz, Soyuz, Soyuz!!

[sgt_flyer]

Damn, those microhinges can support quite a bit of weight given which parts i use !

here, a 9 ton ! test, dangling around a microhinge made of only 4 parts ! (2 oxstats in a V-shape, and 2 LV1-Rs attached to the FLT-800 tank, turned so their nozzles end inside the oxstat's V shape)

(the two FLT-800 tanks are connected to the decoupler prior to the test, with the hinge being offcentered)

Edited March 10, 2015 by sgt_flyer

[Azimech]

I was just going to reply that I like the microhinges but I don't see any use for them ... dem ... dam ... damn!

Maybe I will be able to build the first stock retractable landing gear after all!

[Guest]

The struts connector helps stabilizing the movement, look cool and don't break at decoupling, interesting mechanism.

I'd love to see a sturdier version that could be used several times like a solar panel.

Also I ain't sure if Vernor will remain massless for 1.0

I made a hinge too a while ago but using slightly more parts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz43Ww6CWyY

Rotating Pilot Seat concept ^^ :

Edited March 11, 2015 by RevanCorana

[sgt_flyer]

yes i've seen your RTG based hinge Revan corana - but i thought it used quite a lot of parts and of space for use as 'decorative' hinges such as those grid fins granted, mine is not adapted for for high speed rotations like your hinge is, but it can help for small animations else, the 'struts' are only decorative the vernors should held on their own even without the struts between them (maybe one single strut to connect the two halves at the opposing point from the start)

or lastly, as the one on this one http://imgur.com/DsRziQC - the microhinge's small size helps a lot

Edited March 11, 2015 by sgt_flyer