The Edit Mass / Weight Element Dialog in SpaceCAD 7 allows users to add specific mass elements to their rocket, such as payloads (e.g., an egg for competitions) or electronics, without affecting the aerodynamic properties of the rocket. These mass elements are critical in balancing the rocket and calculating its overall center of gravity (CG).
Key Fields and Features:
1. Mass Element Name
- Editable field where users can specify the name of the mass element.
- Example: “Clay Nose Weight,” “Flight Computer,” or “Egg.”
2. 2D Color
- Allows users to assign a color to the mass element in the 2D design view.
- Custom Color Selector: Helps differentiate mass elements visually from other components in the rocket design.
3. Mass
- The weight of the mass element, specified in grams.
- This field can be adjusted based on the actual or estimated weight of the object being added.
- Example: Setting the mass to 50 g for an electronics payload.
4. Distance from Owner’s Top
- Specifies the distance from the top of the rocket element to the center of the added mass.
- This distance is crucial for balancing the rocket and determining the center of gravity (CG).
- Example: Positioning nose weight 13.1 mm from the tip of the nose cone.
5. Alignment Buttons
- Four alignment buttons provide precise positioning of the mass element:
- Left Arrow: Moves the mass element backward.
- Right Arrow: Moves the mass element forward.
- Double Left Arrow: Shifts the mass element to the farthest rearward position.
- Double Right Arrow: Shifts the mass element to the farthest forward position.
6. Preview Button
- Provides a real-time preview of the mass element’s placement and its effect on the rocket’s design, allowing users to visually inspect the balance and CG.
7. OK Button
- Saves the mass element and applies its properties to the rocket design.
- The weight and position will be reflected in the overall rocket balance and flight simulation.
8. Cancel Button
- Closes the dialog without saving any changes.
Special Notes:
- Use for Payloads and Non-Aerodynamic Elements: The mass element is ideal for objects like electronics, weights, or competition payloads (e.g., eggs) that do not affect the rocket’s aerodynamic profile.
- Not for Recovery Devices: For parachutes, streamers, or any recovery-related elements, it’s recommended to use the dedicated Recovery Element. This is because recovery elements affect both flight and landing simulations, whereas mass elements are inert during descent.
Example Workflow:
-
Adding Nose Weight for Balance:
- Open the Edit Mass / Weight Dialog.
- Name the element “Clay Nose Weight” and set its mass to 5.0 g.
- Adjust the Distance from Owner’s Top to 13.1 mm to fine-tune the rocket’s balance.
- Click Preview to visualize the impact of this weight on the rocket’s CG before clicking OK to apply.
-
Adding a Payload (Egg):
- Name the element “Egg Payload.”
- Set the mass to 60 g (depending on the payload’s weight).
- Adjust the distance to ensure proper placement inside the payload section of the rocket, balancing the rocket’s CG.
