Rocket Engine Test Aerospace Engineering 2011 Project Lead

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

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

Engine Testing • Engine blast in safe direction • Video camera on one side Blast Engine Camera

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

Rocket Engine Preparation

Igniter Circuit • Launch controller supplies electrical energy to igniter • How much current typically flows when the igniter burns?

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