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

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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.

10. 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 = ohm/ft * 36 ft = 0.36 ohm
Bulb = 120 ohm
AA battery = 0.40 ohm
Total resistance = 0.36 ohm ohm ohm ohm = ohm
I = V/R = 12 v / ohm = amp

11. References
Reproduction Masters for Model Rocketry, Estes (2011). Retrieved from Model Rocket Launch Systems, Estes (2011). Retrieved from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (2011). Retrieved from