Altimeter Guidelines - Tony Reynolds USA Spacemodeling Team- March 21, 2010

How does a barometric pressure altimeter work?

The altimeter measures the atmospheric pressure surrounding the rocket. Atmospheric pressure
at ground level is greater than the atmospheric pressure high in the sky (remember,
atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, until you reach the vacuum of space, where there
is no atmosphere). What the altimeter does is to compare the pressure it senses, to the
atmospheric pressure on the ground. Using a simple formula, it automatically computes the
altitude difference that caused the change in pressure. This simple way of computing altitude
has been used for decades by airline pilots. It is accurate, and easy to determine.
General Installation Guidelines
An altimeter should be installed in such a way that it is protected from pressure fluctuations
other than changes in the atmosphere. One way, which will require vent holes, the altimeter is
mounted in an airtight (hermetic seal) protected chamber. A sealed bulkhead below the altimeter
chamber is necessary to avoid the vacuum caused by the aft end of a rocket during flight or
pressure pulses from the motor ejection charge. A sealed bulkhead above the altimeter
chamber is necessary to avoid any pressure fluctuations that may be created at the nose end of
the rocket. If the front of this altimeter compartment section slip fits to another section, most
commonly the nosecone. The linear transition fit must be as friction free as possible to prevent
turbulence and insure a smooth transition from nose cone to cylinder tube. A breathing hole or
vent hole (also known as a static port) to the outside of the rocket must be in an area where
there are no obstacles above it that can cause turbulent airflow over the vent hole. Do not allow
screws, ornamental objects, or anything that protrudes out from the rocket body to be in line with
and forward of a vent hole. Vents must be neat and burr free and on an outside surface, that is
smooth and vertical where airflow is smooth without turbulence. Some competitors use multiple
static ports (vent holes) instead of just one. Very strong wind blowing directly on a single static
port could affect the altimeter. Multiple ports evenly spaced around the rocket tube may help
cancel the effects of strong wind on the ground, the effects of transitioning through wind shears
during flight, the pressure effects of a non-stable liftoff, or the pressure effects that occur due to
flipping and spinning after deployment.

To vent hole or not to vent hole?

The reason for a vent hole is to maintain equal atmospheric pressure inside the altimeter
compartment with the atmospheric pressure outside of the rocket. We want the internal pressure
exchange with the outside to be seamless and immediate, accurately measuring the variances
in barometric pressure as the rocket ascends to apogee. Some models may not require vent
holes based upon their construction methods and techniques. One-way to determine if vent
holes are required when assembled is a test determining whether the rocket have a “hermetic
seal”, or in other words, is “air tight”. We can usually determine this from simple manual
assembly/disassembly process; is there slight vacuum present. In most models, the answer will
be yes. Then you should use vent holes.
If you altimeter compartment is not airtight then you may be able to get accurate measurement
without vent holes. Later in this document, we show in Options 1 and 2, methods that use
altimeter use without vent holes. In options 3 and 4, we show model with vent holes.

How many vent holes; how big should they be?

The total number of vent holes used is up to the modeler and the configuration of the model. It
is recommended that we do not use two holes. One reason is to avoid two opposing holes is the
potential for resonance in the acoustic cavity (the altimeter compartment). This can be created
by opposing vent holes with the rocket at an angle of attack other than 0°. These pressure
waves can be avoided by having only one, or having more than two holes or by having two
holes side by side. If you want to get accurate static pressure on a cylinder that might be at
some angle of attack, you need multiple holes to average the pressure around the
circumference.

For Example: A typical pitot-static tube on an airplane will have at least four holes, often more
than four, equally spaced around the tube. However, for S1 and S5, the minimum static
pressure is going to be at very low speeds at apogee, so one hole is probably fine. If the model
is not going close to vertical in flight, and it goes over the top (apogee) with a lot of airspeed,
then one hole might give a bit of an error, maybe good, maybe bad, but if the velocity is high, it
means that the altitude isn’t very good anyway. We have some strong arguments that indicate to
get the best measurements we should use three vent holes (or more).

So, we need three vent holes; how big should they be?
There is a vent hole calculator available that provides general guidelines for vent hole size. We
will discuss later in the document.
The Altimeter configuration:
Adrel is providing us with outstanding altimeter for the FAI competition. By following these
suggested guidelines, we should have excellent competition with consistent results.
The Adrel ALT-USB can be configured differently depending on model design. Generally,
models with diameters for S1 (18mm minimum) we can create an altimeter compartment of a
shorter length allowing us to work towards higher performing models.
In some S5 prototypes, we may not have than option and we will need longer payload
compartments. Fortunately, the ADREL ALT-USB is flexible and can accommodate both.

ADREL’s internal recommended minimum dimensions of the altimeter compartment.

- For rockets with a diameter greater than 15mm: diameter 13.8mm; length 34 mm

- For rockets with a diameter of less than 15 mm: diameter 10.8mm; length 46mm

Your dimensions may vary depending on your rocket dimensions and how you assemble your
models. In Option 1 and Option 3, we show a model of 18mm diameter with a payload
compartment with in the internal dimension of 34mm.
WE use the vent hole calculator as a guide for our vent hole size. A link to download the
calculator is at the end of this document.
In Option 1, we prepare the model without external vent holes. In Option 3, we use the vent
hole calculator to determine the diameter of the three vent holes is .27mm diameter.
The smallest drill bit I have is .5mm, so that will be the size of my vent holes. Remember, the
desire is to maintain equal pressure between the altimeter compartment and the atmosphere
surrounding the model. We do not want our vent holes to be too small, but you do not want them
too be so large they create drag or cause pressure variations when not at a 0° Angle of Attack.
In Option 4, I present a less than 15mm configuration. These will generally apply to some S5
prototypes. In this instance, the compartment diameter is 13mm and length is 47mm. Again I will
reference the vent hole calculator. Using the spreadsheet, it indicates three holes with a
diameter of .23mm. My smallest drill bit is .5mm in diameter, my vent holes will be .5mm in
diameter.

Where should we locate the vent holes?

We want to insure the vent holes are not significant enough to disrupt laminar flow along the
body of the rocket. A lot of work has been done in researching laminar flow over the model body
and in rocket aerodynamics. On a typical 40mm model, the laminar flow will break just aft of the
base of the nose cone regardless of if there is a seam or not, due to the ellipse to cylinder
transition. With S1 models, the rocket is smaller and faster, but the break from laminar flow
would be the same. This indicates the aerodynamic flow over the vent holes will not disturb the
laminar flow over the rocket because it is already turbulent when it reaches the vent holes. If we
want accurate static pressure while moving fast, then the vent hole placement should be about
4-5 body diameters back from the nose. With bodies in high performance (close to Mach 1)
rockets, the tremendous pressure on the nose cone leeches down the rocket body as much as
four diameters before it dissipates. Four to five body diameters aft is the traditional place for
them on aircraft airspeed sensors. There should not be a problem with them farther back.
Preferably you do not want them forward of that. With lower speed rockets such as FAI, the
"minimum of four body diameters" rule may be reduced to one or two. To calculate whether to
start the beginning measurement at the tip of the nose cone or at the base, will take someone
with stronger math skills than my own to calculate. With a smooth, blended nose shape
transitioning to cylindrical body, I suggest we split the difference between the tip of the nose and
start of the cylinder. Using this as a guideline, I will put the three vent holes as far aft as
possible, evenly spaced, insuring there are no protuberances, just to minimize the drag in case
the flow happens to be laminar!
Accommodating the instrumentation: Next, we determine what size compartment is required
to contain the altimeter, how to cushion it against the shocks of rocket launch, recovery system
deployment in flight, and impact with the ground at the end of flight.
The type of electronic altimeter specified for the contest must be used in your rocket, and will be
the sole basis for measuring the rocket's achieved maximum altitude. It is very important that the
compartment in which the altimeter is placed be properly designed for the altimeter, positioned
on the rocket, and vented with holes as previously discussed. This is so that the air pressure
inside it is always at equilibrium with the outside air pressure. The altimeter measures altitude
on the basis of the air pressure changes it senses during flight. Below are some suggestions
you may wish to follow that will help you with the design process of your altimeter bay, along
with some additional explanation of the design implications of rocketry terminology used in the
event rules.

ALTIMETER COMPARTMENT GUIDELINES

Option 1 - Models larger than 15mm

In this configuration, you will use a separate container for altimeter.

1. You should make two round caps of depron. Cut on the side of the hole with a diameter of
approximately 3mm

2. Make two tubes. Tubes must have different diameters, so that you can fit one into the other.

3. Connect the battery depending on your method of installation (see photos above) for the
battery/altimeter arrangement.
4. Drag the cord through the two tubes.

5. The altimeter is ready to insert into the tube. Before inserting into the rocket, you should make
sure that the LED is blinking single flashes (altimeter is reset).

6. Connect the halves of the container and glue tape.

7. Now, insert the plunger together with the tape inhibitory.

9. Push the payload container into the rocket and fit the nose cone.

Option 2 - Models larger than 15mm

The second option is less professional, but you can reduce weight. In this example, we can use
stockings as the container. Before inserting into the racket, you should make sure that the LED
is blinking single flashes (altimeter is reset).
 1. Put the altimeter into the stocking

2. Wrap and attach the stocking to the cord. 3. Insert the plunger together with the tape inhibitor.

4. Then insert the altimeter.

Option 3 - Models larger than 15mm with vent holes

1. Measuring for the vent hole location aft of the nose cone for S1 style model.

2. With the 18mm model, we are able to get three body tube diameters aft of the nose cone midpoint.
The .5 mm vent holes are difficult to see clearly. I have circled them with marker to show the location.
3. The altimeter compartment is shown with its component parts. I use foam sheeting to cushion the
altimeter. This protects the altimeter from moving around in the compartment and also keeps it in place
and allows better utilization of the mass in flight stability preparation.

3. Assembly is straightforward. Tight friction fit on both end of the compartment. It is common to glue the
aft end to the altimeter compartment to insure it is not detached at ejection (separation is a common
failure). The foam padding protects the altimeter.

4. The altimeter is packed and ready for flight. Be sure you the battery is connected and the LED is
flashing.
Option 4 - Models less than 15mm with vent holes
1. Models less than 18mm in diameter are usually an S5 scale model. Several prototypes will
have sustainer with less than 18mm diameter. For our example, I am using a 13mm body tube.
2. Measuring for the vent hole location aft of the nose cone for S1 style model.
3. With the 13mm airframe, we can place the vent holes in the perfect location. In the photo, I
again show the .5mm vent holes with a circle. The vent holes are 4.5 body tube diameters from
the mid-point of the nose cone.

4. All component parts; again foam sheeting is used to protect the altimeter and keep all parts
stable inside the altimeter compartment. Note the altimeter is inserted with sensor lining up with
the area where the vent holes are located, battery toward the nose.
5. The altimeter compartment is packed and ready for flight. Make sure the battery is connected
as can be seen by the red LED flashing.

6. The 13mm airframe is ready for final prep ands launch.

Conclusion:
This document is a compilation of materials collected over the last months in preparation for the
2010 WSMC. Use it as a guide and please do practice flights. You will find using an altimeter is
easy and will be giant step forward for FAI competition. The use of these devices can provide
new opportunities for competition. I would like to thank following people for their contributions.
Leszek Szwed and Adrel from Poland for the base documentation and their fantastic altimeter!
Trip Barber, NAR President and MIT Alumni – vent hole size and altimeter compartment design.
Bob Parks, US Team Member and MIT Alumni – vent hole size and placement.
Srdjan Pelegic, CIAM Space Models SC Chairman – for the constant encouragement.
Competition Tips:
Place the altimeter in a compartment that is totally sealed on the bottom against intrusion by
high-pressure gases from the rocket motor's ejection charge. These gases will make the altitude
reading inaccurate.
Place the altimeter compartment away from the nose cone. Turbulent flow over the rocket's
nose cone-body tube joint at the top of the rocket will introduce pressure fluctuations down the
body tube and this will make the altimeter readings unreliable.

Secure the altimeter in place mechanically in its compartment, don't let it "rattle" around or rely
on foam padding to hold it in place (such padding might interfere with proper pressure
equalization of the compartment, anyway). But make it easy to remove, because you will have
to remove the altimeter both before and after flight for inspection by event officials.

Avoid Black! Black may not be the best color for a rocket with an altimeter. Electronics fail at
high temperatures. The temperature inside a rocket painted black that's sitting in the sun on a
hot day may get hot enough to cause a failure, such as causing the altimeter to think that the
rocket has launched when it's really sitting on the pad.

Ambient Temperature: Let your rocket reach the ambient temperature before flying it. If the
temperature is 40 degrees and your car is 70 degrees let the rocket cool before flying, and vice
versa. But remember that cold is bad for batteries. Be sure to use a fresh battery.

Venting: An altimeter bay must be vented so that the air pressure in the bay equalizes with the
air pressure outside of the rocket. If venting is not provided, the altimeter will not function
correctly. Follow the altimeter manufacturer's recommendations for venting.

The altimeter's bay must be protected from the ejection charge. If gases from the apogee
charge leak into the bay the altimeter will sense the pressure rise in the bay and give incorrect
readings.

Use a Fresh Battery: Most altimeters can make several flights on the same battery. But
batteries are cheap and your rocket is expensive. Check the expiration date on the battery. Just
because you purchased a new battery recently does not mean it is fresh.
Links and resources:
Questions and help – Tony Reynolds tonyr@night.net +001-214-869-6645 Voice and Text

How to use an Altimeter:

http://www.apogeerockets.com/altimeter.asp

Making an altimeter section for your model:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAvqsHtiNk

How do altimeters work Part 1

http://www.apogeerockets.com/education/downloads/Newsletter240.pdf

How do altimeters work Part 2

http://www.apogeerockets.com/education/downloads/Newsletter242.pdf

Vent Hole Calculator

http://www.spacemodeling.org/GreatLakesCup/VentHoleCalculator-WSMC2010.xls

Altimeters http://www.adrel.com.pl