Is DIY Model Rocket Engine Making Safe?

[Arsonade]

i have been into model rocketry for a very long time now, and i think that it is about time i learn how to start making the engines, does anyone know how to do this? the only explinations i have seen is one printed by Aerospace model rocket engine company who basically gave 10 reasons why you shouldn't and then proceeded to basically call the people that do freaking idiots. however i know for a fact that there are people who make thee engines and it cannot be as incedibly imposible as they seem to allude to, i am not an idiot and do not intend to end my life by building a model rocket engine, therefore, i will go well beyond being carefull. i will be uber-carefull!

right then can anyone help me?

Adam

 

[Astronuc]

There have been many accidents where fingers and hands where blown off by people making solid rocket fuel.

Basically one needs and oxidizer, like potassium or ammonium perchlorate, or perhaps a sodium or potassium nitrate, then a fuel component like charcoal, aluminum or something else that burns. Perchlorates, while very efficient oxidizers, are considered significant pollutants ( http://www.ewg.org/reports/rocketscience/chap3.html ).

One has to use materials, like wood vessel and implements, to avoid static charge. Mix small batches. Then pack it in an appropriate tube and mold.

You'll need a good design drawing (model) for the rocket motor design.

I did some of this as a teenager.

 

[Arsonade]

Thanks a bunch

i will not blow up

Adam

 

[Arsonade]

and by the way,, if that's u in the picture, i look just like you lol

Adam

 

[veganode]

Nakka

He is the king
http://www.nakka-rocketry.net/

 

[chroot]

Arsonade,

Please try to find a model rocketry hobby group in your area, and go to some of their meetings. Many of the larger groups DO make their own solid rocket fuel, usually with rather good precautions. I'd much rather you learn to do such things with experienced guidance than on your own.

- Warren

 

[Arsonade]

well that's what i should do...

i take extreme caution with making the rocket engines though (i just started, its going ok) however i don't like the rocketry safty precautions set up.

Give me meter long rocket engines strapped to my car or give me death!

not a very good analogy there

Adam

 

[chroot]

You don't like safety precautions? That sounds pretty stupid, Adam.

- Warren

 

[BobG]

Arsonade,

Please try to find a model rocketry hobby group in your area, and go to some of their meetings. Many of the larger groups DO make their own solid rocket fuel, usually with rather good precautions. I'd much rather you learn to do such things with experienced guidance than on your own.

- Warren

I would echo chroot's and Astronuc's sentiments. Even the folks with experience doing this have accidents. We had a model rocketry hobbyist blow himself up in his basement around a year ago doing this. Because he liked to keep a decent supply of pre-made fuel and engines, he wound up dropping half his house in on top of him (just in case he survived the initial explosion).

 

[mrjeffy321]

I liked to use Potassium Chlorate + Sucrose as my rockey fuel, that I intern then packed into a metal pipe [<-- NOT RECOMMENDED!], ... that is until I had my accident.
It produced a very effective and "cool" looking rocket. but it was also, so very very dangerous, i'll leave it to your imaginations to figure out what happened, but let's say, it put me off homemade rocketry for a while.

Best to experiment with small amounts first, nothing too elaborate or big, and then even when you feel its time to move up, exercise extreme caution, even if you done think anything will go wrong.

 

[chroot]

Again, I'm going to give the Offical Physicsforums.com Advice: don't attempt to make rocket fuel on your own. You will get hurt. Ask someone experienced to show you how to do it.

- Warren

 

[Astronuc]

Do as chroot says.

I had a high school teacher who had his hand blown off and one lost as a result of trying to retrieve a glass container of solid rocket fuel from the hood of a car. The car had been in the sun (so the hood was very hot), and a student placed it there while doing something. The teacher realized the danger and just as he put his hand on the container, it exploded! I believe the student was killed (IIRC the base of the container became shrapnel and hit the student in the chest).

Don't be foolish, and don't take unnecessary risks!