Propellant Depots And Other Components Of A Model Rocket

By Debra Cooper


These days you do not have to be a rocket engineer to launch a rocket. There are model rockets that do not require any specialized expertise to launch them. This has made rocketing to become a popular hobby among kids and even some adults. However, you need to make sure that you find a good kit of your model rocket. Also, you are not supposed to interfere with the propellant depots in the engine.

The casing of these model rockets is made of cardboard. Cardboards are used because they are very affordable and strong. They are also very light. These three characteristics makes cardboard a perfect material to make the tubular casing. However, you can still find model rockets that are made of plastic materials. They are good as their counterparts made of cardboards so you can choose any.

The other part of a model rocket is the nozzle that is located at the end of the rocket engine. The main purpose of the nozzle is to increase the pressure of the hot gas that passes through it so that the pressure can create a thrust that lifts the rocket. Therefore, the nozzles have a small opening. The nozzle is made of ceramic or clay because the two can bear the high temperatures.

The rocket engine does not use gasoline, it is propelled by very flammable propellants that produce the required thrust. The basic propellants used in small model engines is black powder which is a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and Sulphur. Composite propellants for bigger engines are made by mixing aluminum powder, ammonium perchlorate and a binding material made of rubber.

There are many kits that you can buy if you are rocket enthusiast. Depending on your skills, you can buy a kit that is full assembled this means that the rocket is ready to fly. You can also buy a kit that is not assemble if you are good at assembling all the parts or you can buy a model kit that is partially assembled. In this kit all the complicated parts are assemble.

Spraying your rocket is a good idea since it will make it look unique. However, you need to ensure that you spray it perfectly to avoid drips and uneven paints. Use a spray can and hold it a few inches away from the model as you spray. It is advisable to spray bright colors since you will be able to identify your rocket in the field. Also, do the painting in an open place.

Launching a model rocket is a process but it is not complicated as the assembling part. To launch, you need to mount the igniter on the rocket engine, place the engine in the rocket shell and station it on the launching pad. Before this, you need to first identify a safe field to launch your rocket. The field should not have dry grass because the grass is easily ignited.

It is always good to carry your entire kit when you are going to launch the model. This is a way of ensuring that you have all the spare parts at your disposal in case one of the part breaks down. You should also carry a first aid kit in case of an accident.




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