Launch Lug
Contents
- What is a Launch Lug?
- How to Design a Launch Lug?
- Launch Lug Materials
- References & Further Reading
What is a Launch Lug?
It is an external body element designed for the rocket to stand on the launch rail and to ensure that the rocket follows the direction of the rail during liftoff.
How to Design a Launch Lug?
Launch lugs should be designed specifically for each launch rail. They should be attached to structurally reinforced areas of the body tube. A rocket should have at least two launch lugs. For a safe liftoff, one of these should be located at the motor region, and the center of gravity of the motor’s weight distribution should be between 14/31 of the rocket’s length and the end of the body. Additionally, the rocket’s center of gravity should be between the two launch lugs.
Drawings of the launch lug used in previous rocket competitions of Teknofest:
Launch Lug Materials
Since launch lugs will bear the weight of the entire rocket, they need to be made of a material that will not bend or break under a certain weight. Therefore, metals like aluminum are commonly used. For more detailed information about materials and manufacturing methods, you can refer to the page on Materials Used in Model Rocketry.
References & Further Reading
- DUTlab, DUTlab VENÜS Project, 2021
- Teknofest, Rocket Competition Specification, 2022.