1. Advanced Certification Study Guide TRIPOLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION, INC.

2. Which of Newton’s Laws best describes the behavior of a rocket motor?

3. Newton’s Third Law: To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction

4. How does Newton’s Third Law “To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” relate to rocketry?

5. That a rocket flies because the rocket motor “pushes” the rocket in a direction opposite the exhaust jet

6. What are the three forces acting upon a rocket during the course of its flight?

7. Gravity, thrust and aerodynamic drag

8. What are the major factors that determine the maximum altitude of a high power rocket in vertical flight?

9. Motor thrust, weight, and aerodynamic drag

10. For an inherently stable rocket, what is the relationship of center of gravity (CG) to the center of pressure (CP)?

11. The CG must be forward of the CP relative to the desired direction of flight

12. A 4” diameter rocket with its motor is determined to have the center of gravity (CG) four inches behind the center of pressure (CP). Is this a stable rocket?

13. No, the CP must be behind the CG for the rocket to be stable

14. The center of pressure (CP) of a rocket is generally defined as:

15. The point at which aerodynamic lift is centered

16. What is the “rule of thumb” for a stable rocket?

17. That the center of gravity (CG) is one body diameter in front of the center of pressure (CP)

18. When determining the center of gravity (CG) of a rocket with a heavier motor at the launch site, one can:

19. Install the motor, recovery system and payload and determine the balance point of the rocket as it is ready for flight

20. What happens to the center of gravity (CG) of a rocket during a solid rocket motor’s thrusting phase?

21. The center of gravity (CG) shifts forward

22. How can a statically unstable rocket be made stable?

23. Adding weight to the nose

24. What are the three methods used to shift the center of gravity (CG) of a rocket forward?

25. Add weight to the nose, make the rocket longer, use a smaller (or lighter) motor

26. What are three methods used to shift the center of pressure (CP) aft?

27. Make the rocket shorter, use larger fins, increase the number of fins

28. What is the definition of coefficient of drag (Cd)?

29. A dimensionless number representing the rocket configuration, Mach number, and angle of attack

30. What happens to the coefficient of drag (Cd) as the rocket approaches the speed of sound?

31. The Cd increases

32. For a subsonic rocket, what major factors affect the coefficient of drag (Cd)

33. Speed, airframe dimensions, nosecone shape and fin shape

34. What effect does a boat tail have on a subsonic rocket’s coefficient of drag (Cd)?

35. It decreases the Cd by reducing the base drag

36. The flight of a high power rocket can be seperated into three portions; they are:

37. Powered flight, un-powered ascent and descent

38. What is the thrust curve of a regressive motor burn?

39. A regressive burn has a high initial thrust relative to the ending thrust of the motor

40. What is the thrust curve of a progressive motor?

41. A progressive burn has a lower initial thrust relative to the ending thrust

42. Why does a bates grain have an essentially neutral thrust curve?

43. Because the burn area of the motor remains relatively constant

44. What is the function of a motor liner and the O-ring seals in a solid rocket motor?

45. To keep the hot gasses of the motor from burning or melting the motor case

46. What is the most common oxidizer in commercially available high power composite solid rocket motors?

47. Ammonium Perchlorate

48. What is NH 4 ClO 4 ?

49. Ammonium Perchlorate

50. A small hole is typically recommended near the top, but below the nosecone or payload section, of a high power rocket’s booster section. Why?

51. The hole vents internal air pressure as the rocket gains altitude to prevent premature seperation

52. What happens when changing to smaller or fewer injector orifices in an ideal hybrid rocket motor (assume the oxidizer weight stays the same)?

53. The total impulse stays the same and the average thrust decreases

54. What happens when changing to more or larger injector orifices in an ideal hybrid rocket motor (assume the oxidizer weight stays the same)?

55. The total impulse stays the same and the average thrust increases

56. What is the oxidizer most commonly used in a commercial hybrid rocket motor?

57. N 2 O, Nitrous Oxide, commonly called NOX

58. What is the nominal tank pressure of a nitrous oxide hybrid motor at 75* F?

59. 750 psi

60. Above what temperature does pressurized nitrous oxide change to a gas?

61. 97*F

62. A rocket with a motor cluster consisting of a central composite motor and four black powder motors using thermalite igniters or electric matches:

63. Will result in the black powder motors starting first followed by the central composite motor

64. What typically happens to a marginally stable rocket with a hybrid motor during the thrusting phase?

65. The rocket may become less stable

66. In general terms, the specific impulse of a rocket motor is:

67. The total impulse divided by unit weight of propellent

68. In general terms, the total impulse of a rocket motor can be described as:

69. The product of the average motor thrust and its burn time

70. The average thrust of a rocket motor is 100 Newtons and the burn time is 4 seconds. What is the total impulse?

71. 400 newton-seconds

72. Which motor has a higher total impulse? J200 J400 K200

74. Which motor has a higher average thrust? J200 J400 K200

75. J400

76. What is the difference between a J640 and a J320 high power rocket motor (assume full 1280 Newton- second J motors)

77. The J640 burns out twice as fast as the J320

78. Which of the following has a total impulse in the J motor range? I t = 600 Newton-seconds I t = 1000 Newton-seconds I t = 1290 Newton-seconds

79. I t = 1000 Newton-seconds

80. What is a Newton?

81. The amount of force required to accelerate on kilogram one meter per second per second

82. What does the motor designation I220-8 mean?

83. The motor is in the I impulse range with an average thrust of 220 newtons and an 8 second ejection delay from the motor burn-out

84. What is the difference in kinetic energy between two identical rockets, one descending at 30 feet per second, the other descending at 60 feet per second?

85. Four times as much energy

86. The equation for determining the energy of a moving body (such as a rocket) is:

87. E=1/2mv 2

88. What is the purpose of a launch rod, rail, or tower?

89. To keep the rocket pointing in the right direction prior to flight AND to control the rocket’s flight long enough to allow aerodynamic stability

90. What is the purpose of a launch lug?

91. To guide the rocket along the launch rod or rail

92. A rocket with a motor cluster consisting of a central composite 54mm J415 motor and four 29mm G80 composite motors using thermalite igniters or electrical matches:

93. Will result in the G80s starting first followed by the J415

94. What can happen if all the motors of a cluster do not ignite at launch?

95. The rocket may not fly straight

96. What is a shred?

97. A failure of the rocket airframe during boost resulting in destrtuction of the rocket

98. What is a cato?

99. A failure of the motor causing flight termination

100. What is the primary requirement for a rocket motor igniter?

101. It must transfer sufficient heat to the propellant to assure ignition

102. What is covered in the scope of NFPA 1127?

103. Design and construction of commercial high power rocket motors, high power rocket vehicles and launch operations

104. The design and construction of high power rocket motors, high power rocket vehicles and launch operations is detailed in what code?

105. NFPA 1127 and the Tripoli Safety Code

106. Individuals, firms, partners, joint ventures, corporations or other business entities engaged in high power rocketry activities are exempt from NFPA 1127 until what point?

107. When selling to qualified users in conformance with NFPA 1127

108. Who is exempt from NFPA 1127?

109. Federal, state and local government, colleges, universities and license for-profit businesses engaged in high power rocketry activites

110. What is the purpose of NFPA 1127 and Tripoli Safety Code?

111. Provide safe and reliable motors, establish flight operations guidelines and prevent injury

112. What is the Authority Having Jurisdiction?

113. The organization, office or individual responsible for approving equipment, an installation or a procedure

114. What is a complex high power rocket?

115. A rocket having more than one stage AND a rocket having a cluster of rocket motors

116. What are the rocket motor criteria (minimum) that defines a high power rocket?

117. A rocket with a single motor with more than 160 Newton-seconds total impulse or an installed impulse of 320 Newton-seconds and no more than 40,960 Newton- seconds AND a rocket with a single motor having an average thrust in excess of 80 Newtons

118. What is the lower weight limit of a high power rocket?

119. A rocket weighing more than 53 ounces

120. When is a recovery device not necessary in a high power rocket?

121. A recovery device is always necessary

122. A high power rocket may be constructed of what materials?

123. Paper, wood, fiberglass, or plastic with a minimum amount of metallic parts

124. What is a high power rocket motor?

125. A rocket motor with more than 160 Newton-seconds of total impulse or 80 Newtons average thrust

126. What are the structural or load bearing parts of a high power rocket?

127. Nose cone, body tube, and fins

128. Who may operate a high power rocket?

129. A person that is a certified user

130. What operating clearances must we be in compliance with for flying high power rockets?

131. NFPA 1127, Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 101 and applicable federal, state and local regulations

132. What criteria apply to the construction of a high power rocket?

133. Use suitable materials to withstand operating stresses and retain structural integrity in flight

134. When must the stability of a rocket be determined?

135. Whenever the rocket is prepared for flight

136. What is the maximum weight of a high power rocket?

137. Less than the maximum weight recommended by the motor manufacturer for a given motor

138. When is it permissible to catch a high power rocket?

139. It is never permissible to catch a high power rocket

140. What payloads are not permitted in a high power rocket?

141. Payloads that are flammable or explosive or intended to cause harm AND Vertebrate animals

142. When must a high power rocket launching device incorporate a blast deflector?

143. When necessary to prevent the rocket motor’s exhaust from impingng on flammable materials

144. What is the maximum launch angle from vertical for a high power rocket?

145. 20*

146. What are the elements of an ignition system?

147. Remotely controlled, electrically operated, a launch switch that returns to OFF when released and a removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch

148. When shall the motor igniter(s) be installed in a high power rocket motor?

149. At the launcher or designated area

150. When shall firing circuits be armed?

151. When the rocket is in the launching position

152. What is the launch Site Dimensions Table used for?

153. As the standard for minimum launch site dimensions

154. What is the alternate launch site criteria?

155. No less than 1500 feet AND No less than one-half the maximum altitude expected or granted by the FAA

156. What is the minimum distance from an occupied building or public highway for a launch site?

157. 1500 feet

158. How close can spectators be to a high power rocket launch?

159. At the distance defined by, and behind, the safety monitor

160. What is the maximum altitude allowed for flying high power rockets if there is a cloud ceiling of 3000 feet?

161. Neither a nor b

162. What is the limit of surface wind for launching a high power rocket?

163. 20 mph

164. When may a high power rocket be launched?

165. After informing and getting permission and attention of the safety monitor

166. High power rocket motors, motor reloading kits and pyrotechnic modules shall be stored in what type of container?

167. A Type 3 or Type 4 indoor/outdoor magazine AND a resealable, non- combustible container

168. What is the minimum distance for smoking (or open flame) from high power rocket motors, motor reloading kits and pyrotechnic modules?

169. 25 feet

170. What quantity of high power rocket motors, motor reloading kits and pyrotechnic modules may be stored in an indoor magazine?

171. 50 pounds

172. According to NFPA 1127, who can produce a solid propellant high power rocket motor?

173. A commercial manufacturer

174. A commercial manufacturer of high power rocket motors may produce what kind of motors?

175. Expendable, solid propellant high power rocket motors AND Reloadable non-expendable solid propellant high power rocket motors

176. How much variation can there be in the certified total impulse and delay time of commercial high power rocket motors?

177. 20%

178. When may a solid propellant high power rocket motor be shipped and stored with the igniter installed?

179. Never

180. What is the key prerequisite for certification of a solid propellant high power rocket motor?

181. Prior to classification by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a UN Division 1.3 or 1.4 explosive or written acknowledgment of the motor or reload kit as a flammable solid

182. When must the manufacture report changes to the authority that originally certified the certified high power rocket motor?

183. With in 30 days of the change

184. Who may receive a solid propellant high power rocket motor?

185. Certified users

186. What is the age limit Tripoli recognizes for a certified solid propellant high power rocket motor user?

187. 18 years of age

188. When may a high power rocket motor be used for spectacular displays of color, light and/and or sound?

189. They may not be used for this application

190. When is the sale, offering for sale and/or exposing for sale of uncertified motors permissable?

191. It is never permitted

192. When is conveying a high power rocket motor to an uncertified person permitted?

193. When the person is preparing to certify as a high power user

194. When is it permissible to consume alcohol when prepping or launching high power rockets?

195. It is never permitted

196. What organizations may certify high power rocket motors?

197. Tripoli and NAR

198. What organization my certify users of high power rocket motors?

199. Tripoli and NAR

200. What document has been adopted be the Tripoli Rocketry Association as the Tripoli Safety Code?

201. NFPA 1127