Rockets

 In our modern world, rocket technology is constantly advancing and improving. But rockets are cool so you should make them and launch them at home. (They are restricted in some areas though so check that before you make them).

There is a variety of common fuels are available, including;

• Black powder

• Rocket candy

• Sugar/KNO3 mix

The goal:

- to accomplish successful flight of a small payload

 Safety:

To ensure that I and any observers weren't near the rocket when it was launched, a remote launching system was used. 

Initial test: Black Powder

- Requires a very fine powder. Milled in a ball mill takes a very long time to produce a very small batch

- Should be noted black powder is restricted under the explosives act and storage and licensing requirements should be observed

- Was a good propellant

*** Can produce extreme pressures

Rocket Candy (R-Candy)

- Is a caramelised solution of sugar and KNO3 prepared in an electric fry-pan

- Produces many toxic gases during synthesis and launch and smells incredibly bad

*** Should only be done outside and in a well-ventilated area

- Large manufacturing time and small improvement, was not generally used

- (has to be set in the rocket motor/same shape as it cannot change shape once cooled)

Sugar Rocket

- Using a powdered mix of 65:35, KNo3:sugar

- Good results

- Thrust is great

Overall:

All three tended to explode when the PVC engine was not properly scored or the clay plug was not properly powdered and compacted.

Sugar and KNO3 mix required a little bit of refinement and could be done in a blender in significantly less time than both the other methods. This mix provides less threat of an explosion than black powder (powdered black powder in the air).

Sugar mix avoids creation of dangerous gases in the cooking stages

***Although all three create harmful gases when ignited.