The purpose of this journal is to keep a data log of my progress with rockets. I've always been interested in fire, and after taking chemistry I decided I wanted to make fire. Then I read the book October Sky and decided I was going to make rockets.
I started by leading an experimental rocketry art block at my school, but soon discovered that the model rocket engines have a limit to them. If I was going to truly make my own rocket, I was going to have to make my own fuel. I began doing some research online and found this website which outlined the making of rocket engines using saltpeter (KNO3), sugar, and Karo syrup. I proceeded to purchase some saltpeter on eBay and began cooking up my own rocket engines. This blog contains my progress.
Space begins at 100km.
4 comments:
That's pretty sweet.
Are you just making rockets out of the engine casings?
Well for now, yeah. I made a rocket today out of two toilet paper tubes and a paper nosecone with college mail (card paper) fins. I have yet to design an engine mount for it, but I want to launch it sometime.
A great journal, well documented and most interesting. Keep up the great work.
I have been trying to think of a nozzle material for you and thought perhaps you could mold some clay in a rocket engine tube casing, with hole, and then cut into sections and fire in your furnace. A bit of a project but it might work. I reread the KNO3-sugar web site and it did appear very well thought out and the directions were quite clear. Perhaps getting the water out of the mix is critical.
I am sending some auxillary equipment for your project!
Ciao,
The clay sounds like a good idea, I may try to do that. I can probably get my teacher at school to give me a little clay.
I'm probably going to try a smaller washer too, since I took a look at an estes engine and it had about a 3mm diameter hole whereas mine were about 5 or 6.
Thanks for the equipment! I can't wait to get it!!!
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