Can a High-Efficiency Resistojet Be Built for a Science Fair Project?

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SUMMARY

A high-efficiency resistojet can be constructed for a science fair project, utilizing a non-reactive fluid heated by an electric filament. This propulsion system, which has been in use since the 1950s, expels heated fluid through a nozzle, providing small but efficient thrust suitable for spacecraft. Resources such as the NASA Technical Reports Server and various academic papers provide detailed guidance on design and implementation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
  • Familiarity with electrical circuits and heating elements.
  • Knowledge of propulsion systems, specifically thermal thrusters.
  • Experience with safety protocols when handling electrical components and heated fluids.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design principles of thermal thrusters, specifically the water resistojet.
  • Study the construction and operation of electric heating elements.
  • Explore safety measures for working with high-temperature fluids and electrical systems.
  • Review NASA's technical documentation on resistojet technology for practical insights.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students, educators in physics and engineering, hobbyists interested in propulsion systems, and anyone looking to undertake a hands-on science project involving advanced propulsion technologies.

Ian Malcolm
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Can I build a resistojet? How?
I am in tenth grade and I want to make it for Science Fair.
A resistojet takes a non-reactive fluid, heats it up using a filament and electricity. The fluid is heated and shot out of a nozzle. Can something like this be built? Can you guys give me some advice? The thrust is small but it is high efficiency, usually for spacecraft propulsion.
 
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Physics news on Phys.org
Even better, you can buy one! See link:
http://microsat.sm.bmstu.ru/e-library/SSTL/Subsys_NitrousRJet_HQ.pdf
 
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Ian Malcolm said:
Can I build a resistojet? How?
I am in tenth grade and I want to make it for Science Fair.
A resistojet takes a non-reactive fluid, heats it up using a filament and electricity. The fluid is heated and shot out of a nozzle. Can something like this be built? Can you guys give me some advice? The thrust is small but it is high efficiency, usually for spacecraft propulsion.
Resistojets have been around since the 1950s.

For examples see - http://www.lr.tudelft.nl/en/organisation/departments-and-chairs/space-engineering/space-systems-engineering/expertise-areas/space-propulsion/propulsion-research/thermal-thrusters/water-resistojet/hoole-design/

www.its.caltech.edu/~ae121/ae121/Resistojet_Project.pdf[/URL]

[url]http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19710012179_1971012179.pdf[/url] (2.4 MB, use 'save taget as')
 
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Seems like a sophisticated put put boat design...
 
Okay thanks for telling me how incredibly easy this is.
 

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