Sofia Martinez
Plastic bags can be used to make parachutes. The bags are cut and folded to form a canopy, with strings attached to each corner to control the descent. This is a common DIY project, especially for miniature parachutes used as toys. However, the type of plastic bag and the weight of the object being dropped are important considerations. Thicker plastic, such as that used for table covers, is more durable than trash bags. Additionally, the use of recovery wadding is crucial to prevent plastic parachutes from melting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can parachutes be made from plastic bags? | Yes, it is possible to make parachutes from plastic bags. |
| Types of plastic bags | Shopping bags, bread bags, dry cleaner bags, plastic table covers |
| Plastic parachute use cases | Miniature parachutes as toys, recovery systems for rockets |
| Plastic parachute issues | Melting due to incorrect recovery wadding, straight descent without a hole in the center |
| Plastic parachute customization | Cutting the plastic into a circle or an octagon, adding stickers, using different strings |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the plastic bag
To make a parachute from a plastic bag, you will need to cut the bag so that it lays flat on a surface. Using scissors or a precision knife, cut out the largest square you can from the material. The size of the parachute will determine how slowly it falls—the larger the parachute, the slower it will fall.
Next, you will need to fold the square three times and cut it into a circle. First, fold the square diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold the triangle in half using one of the long ends as the divider. This will result in a thinner triangle. Repeat this fold with your new triangle. Once you have your third fold, cut off the wide end with scissors. This will cut all the degrees of the circumference at once. Unfold the plastic to reveal your circle. Alternatively, you can cut the corners off the square to make an octagon shape.
Now, make six marks around the circle with a permanent marker. These marks will be where the holes for the parachute strings will go. The marks should be about a centimetre into the plastic bag from the outer perimeter. Tape over your marks to reinforce the holes. Then, use a nail to gently push through the assigned marks and create the holes. The holes should be just big enough for the strings to fit through.
Finally, cut out six equal pieces of string. The string should be thin enough to fit through the holes in the plastic bag. A foot of string should be enough if your parachute is the size of a regular shopping bag. Place the strings next to each other and cut off any excess length to ensure they are all the same length.
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Folding and shaping the plastic
To make a parachute from a plastic bag, you will first need to cut the bag so that it can lay flat on a surface. Then, cut out the largest square you can from the material. The size of the parachute will determine how slowly it falls—the larger the parachute, the slower it will fall.
To fold and shape the plastic, start by folding the square diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold the triangle in half using one of the long ends as the divider. This will result in a thinner triangle. Repeat this fold with the newly formed triangle. Once you have folded the triangle for the third time, cut off the wide end. This will cut all the degrees of the circumference at once. When you unfold the plastic, you should have a circle.
Alternatively, you can cut the corners off the square to create an octagon shape. This method is a bit simpler and doesn't require as much folding. However, the circle method is recommended if you want a more precise and symmetrical shape.
After you've cut out your shape, you can add small round stickers at eight equally spaced points along the circumference. These stickers will reinforce the plastic and provide a place to tie the strings that will act as the parachute's suspension lines. Make sure the strings are the same length and are thin enough to fit through the holes you will create for them.
Finally, make a small hole in the centre of the parachute to help it fall straighter. This step is optional, but it will guide the air through the centre and straighten the descent.
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String and knotting techniques
To make a parachute from a plastic bag, you will need to cut out six equal pieces of string. The string should be thin enough to fit through the holes you will create in the plastic bag. A foot of string should be enough, provided the parachute is the size of a regular shopping bag. Place the strings next to one another to ensure they are the same length, and cut off any excess string.
Next, you will need to create the parachute canopy. Cut the bag so that it lays flat on a surface. Then, cut out the largest square you can from the material. The larger your parachute, the slower it will fall. Triple-fold the square and cut it into a circle. First, fold the square diagonally to form a triangle, then fold the triangle in half using one of the long ends as the divider. Repeat this fold with the resulting thinner triangle. Once you have your third fold, cut off the wide end. Unfold the plastic to reveal your circle.
Now, you can start assembling the parachute. Make six marks around the circle with a permanent marker. These marks will be where you attach the strings, so ensure they are visible. Tape over your marks to reinforce the holes you will be punching. Then, use a nail to carefully punch holes through the marks.
Finally, it's time to attach the strings. Run each piece of string through its respective hole and tie a small knot on the inside of the parachute. Ensure that your knots are consistent to maintain even string lengths. When you are done, attach a screw and nut to the bottom of the strings to give your parachute weight and help it catch air. Wrap the strings around the screw when storing your parachute to prevent knots.
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$6.99
Using recovery wadding
Recovery wadding is essential to protect the parachute from being burned by the rocket engine's ejection charge. The wadding is flame-resistant and is treated with a special chemical to make it resistant to fire. It traps the burning particles from the rocket engine, preventing them from reaching the parachute and causing it to melt.
When using recovery wadding, it is important to use the correct amount and type. If the parachute is melting, it indicates that there is either insufficient wadding or the wrong type of wadding is being used. The wadding should be crumpled into loose balls and inserted into the rocket before the parachute. For a typical rocket, about 3 sheets of wadding are needed to fill the tube to a depth of twice the diameter.
There are different types of recovery wadding available, including disposable and reusable options. Some people opt for reusable wadding to reduce waste. Additionally, the type of rocket motor and its dimensions can impact the suitability of specific recovery waddings. It is important to select the appropriate wadding for the specific rocket and parachute combination.
One popular option for recovery wadding is the Estes Recovery Wadding Model Rocket Recovery Wadding. It is cost-effective, with 75 sheets of wadding included, which is typically enough for about 25 flights. This product is recommended for low-power model rocket kits and can be purchased for $6.41.
Another option mentioned is Quest Recovery Wadding, which is suitable for BT-80 rocket models and larger diameter rockets. It effectively protects the parachute from burning, keeping it "uncharred." Users have also recovered and reused unburned sheets of this wadding. The price of this product is not explicitly mentioned, but it is offered as part of various combo discounts.
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Testing the parachute
Testing a parachute made from a plastic bag can be done through the following steps:
Firstly, ensure you have a safe, elevated launching location, such as a flight of stairs or a balcony. The higher the launch point, the more time the parachute will have in the air.
Secondly, assemble your parachute using the plastic bag canopy. Secure strings to each corner of the canopy, twisting the free ends together to form a loop, and attach a screw and nut to the loop if desired.
Now, you are ready to launch your parachute. Pinch the top of the parachute in the middle of the canopy, hold it up, and release. Observe how the parachute falls. Initially, it will fall quickly, but then it should slow to a steady rate due to the force of air resistance counteracting gravity.
You can experiment with different variables to see how they affect the parachute's descent:
- Try changing the type or length of the string.
- Experiment with different materials for the canopy, such as fabric, tissue paper, newspaper, or different types of plastic bags.
- Modify the shape or size of the canopy. A larger canopy will result in a slower descent.
- Add more weight to the parachute to observe the impact on its fall.
- Punch a small hole in the centre of the parachute to make it fall straighter. This will guide the air through the centre, straightening the descent.
By testing and modifying your plastic bag parachute, you can optimise its performance and observe the fascinating interplay between gravity and air resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, parachutes can be made from plastic bags.
First, cut the bag so that it lays flat on a surface. Cut out the largest square you can from the material. The larger the parachute, the slower it will fall. Triple-fold the square and cut it into a circle. You can also cut the corners off the square to make an octagon shape. Punch a small hole in the centre of the parachute to make it fall straighter. Cut out six equal pieces of string and tie them through holes in the parachute. Attach the strings to a screw and nut.
Regular shopping bags can be used to make parachutes. Bread bags and dry cleaning bags are also suitable. For rockets, cheap dollar store plastic table covers are more durable than trash bags.
Plastic parachutes can melt if the wrong type or insufficient amount of recovery wadding is used. Biodegradable recovery wadding is recommended to avoid littering.
Rip-stop nylon is a stronger alternative used for larger rockets. Space blankets are a cheap, thin, and lightweight option that is visible during descent.
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