STOCK Help making massive structures more stable

[wronkiew]

I've been assembling fuel depots and interplanetary craft using the docking ports since about 0.18. The regular clamp-o-tron has been ok for the small stuff, but as soon as the structures get big it gets too wobbly. I thought I'd try out the Clamp-o-Tron Sr. for my newest project. Unfortunately, as soon as I turn on the main engines the whole thing bucks around like a bull. And that's with mostly empty fuel tanks and half the ship unfinished. So, I need something more stable for on-orbit assembly. Normally I'd break out the docking struts, but I'm trying to keep this stock. So, what can I do to make a stronger connection with the parts that I have? My ideas:

- Multi-port regular clamp-o-tron: is this better or worse than CoT Sr?

- Multi-port clamp-o-tron sr: Holy %#$@ this would get heavy

- Single clamp-o-tron sr with shock absorbers

My thinking with the shock absorbers is that a central port surrounded by structural fuselages or something would help to keep the whole thing more stable. I'm not sure how well it would work with the KSP physics simulator.

Oh, and it has to allow fuel flow somehow.

Anyone have a better idea?

[zerotwo]

One option for moving huge objects into orbit is to build a scaffolding system around it using the lightweight "structural" segments made of bars.

Build the object you want to put in orbit, find a way to surround it with 4 equal sides of scaffolding, and then use struts to hold up the various parts of the craft.

Remember, things like housings, docking sections, and separator items are not structurally sound, you'll need to use structural pieces to transfer the thrust around the part and into the pieces above.

The bottom of your rocket is accelerating as fast as the thrusters can push it, the top is not moving as fast (it has to accelerate slightly after your bottom stages) and thus "crushes" the sections in-between, if you can increase the structurally sound points of contact between the bottom stage and upper-stages, you can start those upper sections accelerating sooner; which results in less flex.

Hope this is helpful.

[wronkiew]

One option for moving huge objects into orbit is to build a scaffolding system around it using the lightweight "structural" segments made of bars.

Interesting idea! It would involve quite a bit of rework of my vehicle design, but it would definitely reduce the forces on the middle section. I'll have to think about it.

[zerotwo]

If you provide me with a screenshot of your vehicle I will be able to look at it later tonight, and perhaps offer you some unique suggestions.

There are some more subtle ways to further stabilize a heavy craft too, using a small structural block arranged in 4 or 8 around the bottom of a ROCKO64, then using the same arrangement on one below, then drawing structs between all 8 can provide some significant additional support (it's tougher but not invincible.)

[DerekL1963]

One thing I found helps is to turn off as many gimbals as I can. I had a Duna bound station that bucked like a bull on front of it's tug that had eight LV-N's pushing - turning off all but two of the gimbals and the ride was smooth as glass. Though the same thing applies during the boost to LKO, yeah, you generally have to strut around the docking ports for the ride to orbit. Quantum Struts are also an option.

[wronkiew]

One thing I found helps is to turn off as many gimbals as I can. I had a Duna bound station that bucked like a bull on front of it's tug that had eight LV-N's pushing - turning off all but two of the gimbals and the ride was smooth as glass. Though the same thing applies during the boost to LKO, yeah, you generally have to strut around the docking ports for the ride to orbit. Quantum Struts are also an option.

Yes, I think that is probably contributing to the stability problem. I have a lot of SAS units on the ship and multiple command pods. I tested the main engines again with ASAS off and found that it was pretty smooth.