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sid_galt
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If say hydrogen is ejected out of the tail of a model rocket and combusted with O2 of the surrounding air, will that propel the model rocket forward and will the propulsion be sustainable?
Bjørn Bæverfjord said:The fuel must enter the combustion chamber at supersonic speed to pull in the air and generate the ram effect that makes it work. The propane ones I have seen had a very low efficiency.
Model rocket propulsion works by using a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer to create thrust. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited by an electric current, creating a controlled explosion that propels the rocket forward.
The most commonly used fuels in model rocket propulsion are solid propellants, such as black powder or composite propellants. These fuels are chosen for their stability and consistent burn rate.
When used correctly and following safety guidelines, model rocket propulsion is generally considered safe. However, there are still potential hazards, such as fire or explosion, so it is important to follow all instructions and precautions.
The thrust of a model rocket can be calculated by multiplying the average burn rate of the propellant by the area of the rocket's nozzle. This will give you the total thrust, which can then be divided by the weight of the rocket to determine the acceleration.
The performance of model rocket propulsion can be affected by several factors, including the type and quality of the propellant, the design and weight of the rocket, and external factors such as wind or weather. It is important to carefully consider these factors when building and launching a model rocket for optimal performance.