bare bones sugar rocket

BDH · 2006-10-28T06:06:45+00:00

I feel like making some rockets. Some simple-as-possible rockets. Some1-pound sugar/karo syrup/potassium nitrate dissolved in water andcooked on an electric skillet then stuffed in a PVC pipe sectionrockets - I think that's about 1 inch inside by 1 foot long.So. How much does a nozzle improve the rocket performance - is itworthwhile to start with?Is there an effective dead-simple parachute system, or is it easier tolet your PVC tube crash somewhere empty? I was thinking of a smallparachute attached to the top by thread at its edges and just drapedover the top of the capped PVC pipe.What are good sources for slow fuse or an about as simple and at leastas safe alternate ignition system (that aren't online, I know aboutskylighter and firefox)?If you're dissolving the KNO3 in water, is technical grade worth itover fertilizer? Are there things to look for (or probably avoid) inthe fertilizer?psI don't have the nerve for this kind of experimentation, but if Iremember my chemistry correctly Calcium Nitrate would give betterperformance than KNO3, and I think it's about as cheap and available asKNO3 fertilizer. Is there a reason it isn't used?

Oct 28, 2006 23 Replies

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Phil Stein 19 years ago

Is that a threat - are you stalking me?

Phil

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lizardqueen 19 years ago

I think the nozzle has left the room.

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BDH 19 years ago

Ignition! 2 for 2! Thanks for the lack of help. I'd say YHL HAND but I'm more like a mirror.

p.s. For calcium nitrate you heat separately first and recrystallize in something other than water. But that's only worthwhile as a challenge.

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Eekamouse 19 years ago

OMG! LOL! ROTFLMAO!

Good for you, kid. Hope that advice about using one of them thar "nozzle" thingies helped you.

You are now an official "KEWL ROCKIT DUDE" and deserve a pat on the head.

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