1. 1 Science of Flight The Aerospace Environment Model Rocketry

2. 2 Goals: –Understand how a rocket works –To demonstrate Newton’s Laws of Motion by launching model rockets Purpose: Apply aerodynamic and aerospace propulsion concepts in practical application How: Building and launching Alpha Model Rocket Kits

3. 3 Grading Criteria To receive the Rocketry Badge you must: –1. Pass the written safety test –2. Correctly build the Alpha Model Rocket Kit according to the written instructions provided –3. Successfully launch and recover your rocket at least twice –4. Correctly determine altitude of rocket at apogee within 10 feet using altitude tracker and table of tangents

4. 4 Rocket Science Rockets and Launch vehicles –Get spacecraft into space –Move them around after they get there –Change their attitude (the direction they’re pointing) Rocket Functions What do we use rockets for?

5. How a Rocket Works A rocket is a system that takes mass plus energy and converts them into a force to move a vehicle. –The mass a rocket uses is up usually is called propellant. –The force a rocket produces is called thrust. The Simplest Version of a Rocket System

6. Thrust Thrust is the force a rocket produces. –A rocket ejects mass at high speed in one direction so a vehicle can go in the other.

7. Thrust (cont’d) The simplest example of this is a balloon. –Blow up a toy balloon and let go the stem to watch it fly wildly around the room. What makes the balloon go? –When you blow into a balloon, you force air into it, making the rubber skin tighten, increasing the internal air pressure, and storing energy like a spring. –When you let go of the stem, the air pressure has an escape route, so the skin releases, forcing the air out under pressure. An Inflatable Rocket

8. 8 First Law: (Law of Inertia) A body at rest tends to remain at rest and a body in motion tends to remain in motion, unless an outside force acts on the body – such as gravity Newton’s First Law

9. 9 Second Law: The acceleration of a body is directly proportional to the force exerted on the body, and is in the same direction as the force In other words: Force = Mass x Acceleration Newton’s Second Law

10. 10 Newton’s Third Law Third Law: Whenever one body exerts a force upon a second body, the second exerts an equal and opposite force upon the first body In other words: For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction

11. 11

13. 13 Model Rocket Parts

14. 14 Model Rocket Pre-Flight

15. 15 Model Rocket Launch Safety

16. 1. Tracker 1 2. Tracker 2 3. Range Safety Officer 4. Data Recording Table 5. Preparation Table 6. Recovery Team 7. Launch Control Officer 8. National or Club Flag 9. Range-In-Operation Pennant (optional) 10. Student-Observers 11. Parking Area (optional) 12. Launching Pad

17. 17 Model Rocket Engine Performance

18. 18 Model Rocket Engine Specifications

19. 19 Model Rocket Propulsion Parts Controller: provides electrical current to ignite propellant Engine: A8-3, B6-4 Igniter: provides electrical current to rocket motor Plug: holds igniter in place

20. Safety Code 1.Launch Site - launch model rockets outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines, building and dry brush and grass. Launch site will be at recommended size for applicable engine. 2.Launcher - launch model rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. 3.To prevent accidental eye injury, always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or cap the end of the rod when approaching it. Cap or disassemble launch rod when not in use, never store it in an upright position. If cap is lost an empty plastic soda bottle will be placed over rod whenever not in use. 4.Launcher - will have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. Always clear the area around launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials

21. Safety Code 5.Ignition System - The system will be remotely controlled, electrically operated and will contain a launching switch that will return to off when released. The system will contain removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet (5 meters) from the model rocket. 6.Launch Safety - Ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending model rocket launch and can see the model rocket’s liftoff before beginning an audible five-second countdown. If rocket suffers a misfire, do not approach it or the launcher until the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system. Wait one minute after a misfire before approaching the launcher. 7.Flying Conditions - Launch rockets only when the wind is less than 20 miles (30 kilometers) an hour. Do not launch rockets into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property. 8.Launching Angle - Launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. 9.Recovery Hazards - If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, do not attempt to retrieve it. 10.Follow instructions!