The Project: To develop a method of making model rocket motors that are competitive in reliability and performance to commercial motors, using materials and tools that can be found around the house, or purchased at minimal cost from an hardware store.
The only pieces that do not fit the "easy access" requirement are the potassium nitrate (KN, KNO3) and Bentonite clay, which might need to be ordered from a pyrotechnic supplier.
News Flash! I have a long, boring movie which illustrates most of this process, including the making of propellant, forming propellant into grains, ramming clay nozzle, assembly of motor, making ignitor, packaging, ejection charge, a static test and a few flights. But recently the folks who host my site have taken my whole site down because of overuse of bandwidth. Since this 450meg file is a prime suspect, I must restrict access to it so that my website stays up. So if you have an interest in this movie - I'll find a way to get it to you.Model Rocket Motors, A photo-illustrated procedure:
1. Motor tubes - made from posterboard and Elmer's Glue
2. Nozzle Drill - posterboard, Elmer's, and a drill bit.
3. Nozzles - rammed Bentonite clay
5. Bates grains for tiny motors - lower thrust, but longer burn. Averages out about the same total thrust
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