Bulkhead / Coupler Dialog

The Edit Bulkhead / Coupler Dialog in SpaceCAD 7 allows users to configure bulkheads or couplers, which are used to connect or separate sections of a rocket. These components provide structural support and ensure proper alignment between stages, engine mounts, or payload sections. The dialog includes options to define the material, thickness, and positioning of the bulkhead or coupler. Additionally, bulkheads can be children of inside tubes, where the inside tube acts as a multiplier for all sub-elements, including bulkheads.

Key Fields and Features:

1. Bulkhead / Coupler Name

• Editable field where users can specify the name of the bulkhead or coupler.
• Example: “Engine Block Ring” or “Stage Coupler.”

2. 2D Color

• Allows users to assign a custom color to the bulkhead or coupler for easy identification in the design interface.
• Example: The bulkhead is assigned a Custom Blue color.

3. Duplication Information

• An information appears if the bulkhead is duplicated, particularly when it is part of an inside tube. Inside tubes can multiply sub-elements, and this information indicates the bulkhead is part of a collection of multiple elements.
• Example: “Bulkhead is duplicated in collection of 1 elements” means this bulkhead is repeated within an inside tube setup.

Material and Structural Properties:

4. Material

• Defines the material of the bulkhead or coupler, such as paper, plastic, or metal.
• Change Button: Opens the material selection dialog, where users can select a material based on the design’s structural needs.
• Example: Paper is lightweight, while plastic or metal offers more durability.

5. Fix Weight and Fixed CG

• Fix Weight at: Allows users to manually set a fixed weight for the bulkhead or coupler, overriding the calculated weight.
• Fixed CG Position at: Lets users define the center of gravity (CG) for the bulkhead, useful for balancing the rocket.

6. Thickness

• Specifies the thickness of the bulkhead or coupler, affecting both its strength and weight.
• Example: A 5.0 mm thickness provides a sturdy barrier or connection between rocket sections.

7. Core Diameter

• Defines the inner diameter of the bulkhead or coupler, which is critical for ensuring proper fit with other rocket components, such as engine mounts or body tubes.
• Example: A 16.5 mm core diameter is typically used for fitting snugly around an engine mount.

Sub-Element Management within Inside Tubes

8. Inside Tube Context (Multiplier for Sub-Elements)

• Bulkheads can be housed within an inside tube, which acts as a multiplier for sub-elements. The count of the inside tube defines how many bulkheads or other sub-elements are replicated.
• Example: If the count is set to 3, the inside tube will contain three bulkheads or other elements, useful in clustered configurations or multi-engine setups.

Internal Element Positioning

Bulkheads and couplers can be positioned relative to the rocket’s structure in four ways:

• Absolute Position: Sets the exact distance from a reference point.
• Relative to Top of Owner: Adjusts the position relative to the top of the rocket element (e.g., body tube).
• Relative to Middle of Owner: Positions the bulkhead or coupler relative to the center of the owner element.
• Relative to Back of Owner: Ensures the bulkhead or coupler stays aligned at the back of the owning element, useful when resizing body tubes.

9. Distance from Owner’s Top

• Defines the distance from the top of the owner element to the bulkhead or coupler.
• Example: The bulkhead is positioned 0.0 mm from the top of the engine mount tube.

Additional Controls:

10. Preview Button

• Provides a real-time preview of the bulkhead or coupler and its placement within the rocket design.

11. OK and Cancel Buttons

• OK: Saves the configuration and applies the bulkhead or coupler to the rocket.
• Cancel: Closes the dialog without saving changes.

Example Workflow:

1. Configuring an Engine Block Ring in an Inside Tube:

   • Open the Edit Bulkhead / Coupler Dialog and set the name to “Engine Block Ring.”
   • Choose Paper as the material and set the thickness to 5.0 mm for structural integrity.
   • Set the core diameter to 16.5 mm for a snug fit around the engine mount.
   • Ensure the block ring is part of an inside tube with a count of 2, meaning two engine block rings will be added in this configuration.
   • Position the bulkhead at the back of the owner (e.g., engine mount tube) to secure the engine.

2. Designing a Coupler for Multi-Stage Rockets:

   • Open the Edit Bulkhead / Coupler Dialog and set the name to “Stage Coupler.”
   • Choose Plastic as the material for durability during staging.
   • Set the thickness to 3.0 mm and the core diameter to match the inside of the body tube.
   • Position the coupler at the top of the owner to ensure it connects smoothly between rocket stages.
   • Click OK to apply the stage coupler.