Rocket Engine Test Aerospace Engineering © 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Engine Test Configuration Sensor Engine Engine blast in safe direction Clamp stand securely Clamps Test Stand

Engine Testing Engine blast in safe direction Video camera on one side

Presentation Name Course Name Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name Engine Test Gather data and video footage while engine generates thrust

Model Rocket Safety Only use pre-packaged solid model rocket engines Check engine before use to make sure casing and nozzle are sound and have no defects or cracks Never re-use or re-pack a spent solid rocket engine Don't brew your own fuel Don't modify the nozzle or casing

Model Rocket Safety Use the electrical launching devices that come with your launch rail and launch pad Don't use fuses and matches Make sure safety key is removed when connecting clips to igniter wires Make sure that no one is "playing with" the launcher while you are at the pad Secure the test stand to a firm surface with a clamp

Model Rocket Safety Clear the pad area before launching Call out a countdown so that others in the area are aware that a rocket is being launched

Model Rocket Engine Igniter Presentation Name Course Name Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name Model Rocket Engine Igniter

Rocket Engine Preparation Presentation Name Course Name Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name Rocket Engine Preparation Heat generated by the igniter is not great enough to cross a gap between the igniter and propellant grain. There must be direct contact between the igniter and the propellant. First separate the igniter from others by tearing or cutting the paper between any two igniters. Do not remove the paper from the igniters as this may crack the pyrotechnical coating. Insert the igniter all the way into the nozzle of the engine. Make sure that the igniter touches the propellant grain. Some engines will require the igniter to travel downward a long way, so push down gently until the igniter will go no further. Ensure that the igniter leads are not crossed to avoid a short circuit in the launch system resulting in a misfire. Place the igniter plug in the nozzle and press down firmly. Bend the igniter leads as shown.

Presentation Name Course Name Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name Igniter Circuit Launch controller supplies electrical energy to igniter How much current typically flows when the igniter burns? Refer to page 12 of the Estes Model Rocket Launch Systems file shown in the teacher notes for an example. Estes igniter = 1.0 ohm #18 copper wire = 0.010 ohm/ft * 36 ft = 0.36 ohm Bulb = 120 ohm AA battery = 0.40 ohm Total resistance = 0.36 ohm + 0.40 ohm + 1.0 ohm + 120 ohm = 121.76 ohm I = V/R = 12 v / 121.76 ohm = 0.099 amp

References Reproduction Masters for Model Rocketry, Estes (2011). Retrieved from http://www.estesrockets.com/index.php/site/estes-educator/ Model Rocket Launch Systems, Estes (2011). Retrieved from http://www.estesrockets.com/index.php/site/estes-educator/ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/rocket/rktsafe.html