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Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
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- The Sugar Shot website "news" page has been updated.
http://www.sugarshot.org/news.html
- A new report has been uploaded to the Sugar Shot website which reports
the results of the thermal label readings for the recent ProtoSShot
Short Stack motor firing:
http://www.sugarshot.org/ProtoSShot%20Short%20Stack%20Thermal%20Labeling%20Map%20No.1%20results.pdf
- In order to gain a better understanding of why the propellant density
was lower than expected for the grains that were cast for the Short
Stack firing, Brent Dougherty has sliced open the fourth (extra) grain.
The cut sections show the presence of some significant bubbles. As well,
signs of possible impurities were noted as numerous black specks.
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/short_stack_grain_slice1.jpg
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/short_stack_grain_slice2.jpg
- Rick Maschek has been conducting experiments with our large rotating
tumbler (kindly loaned to the Project by Matthew McFarland a few years
ago) in order to ascertain the minimum blending time needed to ensure
effective pre-mixing of the sorbitol and potassium nitrate powders. Rick
has been using black sand (to simulate the potassium nitrate granules)
and white sand or icing sugar (to simulate sorbitol). The results
indicate that a relatively short mixing time will be needed (one hour
per batch).
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/rick_loading_ball_mill.jpg
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/sand-sugar_blended.jpg
- A second Short Stack motor firing has been scheduled for September
15th. The purpose of this streamlined static test is solely to
investigate how well titanium casting tubes withstand the intense
combustion environment.
- Ed Mallory has received a Flight Computer unit from Hans (needs to be
assembled). Ed plans to fly the Flight Computer and Chute Controller at
an upcoming NEFAR launch.
- Chris King reports that he has completed the final build of the GHATR
(Go-High Avionics Test Rocket) in preparation of a Chute Controller Test
Flight Oct. 11th and has performed a successful test of the pyro charge
for the recovery system.
Chris has also started a draft manual and schematic diagram for the
Static Test calibration box and has been working on preparing the
instrumentation needed for the upcoming October 26th firing of the
MiniSShot motor.
- Funding is still badly needed as the costs associated with running a
highly experimental project such as SS2S are draining our coffers.
Contributions can be made at any time at our Sponsor webpage:
http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
Your support is highly appreciated !
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Project
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