Rocketry 101 Available Sheet

Part of this area of focus includes building your own rocket.

Each person needs one plastic soda bottle. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Learn more: bottle-rockets/how-to bottle-rockets/how-to

We will be using water rockets and air pressure. PSI = pressure per square inch Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

We will be using water rockets and air pressure. PSI = pressure per square inch Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

We will be using water rockets and air pressure. PSI = pressure per square inch Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

The pump is used to pressurize the inside of the body tube to provide thrust for the rocket. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Fins are attached to the bottom of the body tube to provide stability during the flight. Fins cannot be flimsy Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Expect Rotation, Center of gravity is important. Don’t be top heavy

Rotation is important because the flight path will be more stable. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

A rifle is an accurate weapon because the bore of the rifle causes the projectile (bullet) to spiral. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

A rifle is an accurate weapon because the bore of the rifle causes the projectile (bullet) to spiral. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Your rocket should be aerodynamic: The least resistance through the air. – Your rocket should have a nosecone. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Lift and Drag – Two aerodynamic forces

This cheesy rocket design would have too much weight and drag to successfully take off.

We will have a launch pad

We won’t have a guidance system like this rocket.

– Your rocket should be balanced however and put on the launch pad for a vertical launch.

Your rocket should have a payload.

We will also analyze trajectory / path of rocket when we fire + calculate total elevation. Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Action

Reaction

Action Reaction Limits Drag

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust Our “Propellent”

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust Our “Propellent” Stabilize / Flight Path

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust Our “Propellent” Stabilize / Flight Path

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust Our “Propellent” Stabilize / Flight Path Creates Thrust

Action Reaction Limits Drag Increases Thrust Our “Propellent” Stabilize / Flight Path Creates Thrust

One standard plastic soda bottle is inverted so the opening becomes the nozzle.

Another can be cut on the bottom and placed on top to increase height of rocket.

One standard plastic soda bottle is inverted so the opening becomes the nozzle. Another can be cut on the bottom and placed on top to increase height of rocket.

Nosecone to limit drag

Lightweight Payload

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent?

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent? Sturdy Fins

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent? Sturdy Fins Nozzle

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent? Sturdy Fins Nozzle Caution! Nozzle must work with launcher.

Nosecone to limit drag Lightweight Payload Fuel / Propellent ¾ filled with water and add detergent? Sturdy Fins Nozzle Air Pump to add pressure

Example of a Soda Bottle Rocket.

Full Soda bottle without any cuts or holes

Bottle cut in half Full Soda bottle without any cuts or holes

Bottle cut in half Full Soda bottle without any cuts or holes Nosecone

Bottle cut in half Full Soda bottle without any cuts or holes Nosecone