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Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
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- The ablative tube that was tested in last weekend's Blast Tube Motor
(BTM) firing has been examined in greater detail. The tube was cut
lengthwise to allow inspection of the interior.
Here is a photo of the interior of the ablative tube after cleaning with
low pressure water spray:
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/crw_7143a.jpg
And the interior after removal of the char layer:
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/crw_7145.jpg
From the appearance of the tube, it is clear that the tube held out
well. The thickness of the remaining "virgin material" was measured to
be between 0.075" and 0.085" (1.9-2.2 mm). The original thickness
averaged 0.130" (3.3 mm); as such, approximately 2/3 of the original
thickness remained.
Video of the BTM firing. In this video, the camera is pointed at the
gauge which indicates chamber pressure:
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/btm_01_24_09.mov
(photos & video courtesy Randy Dormans)
- Sam Grado has pledged a donation of a gallon of phenolic resin which
will be used to experiment with a modified ablative (phenolic replacing
epoxy for potentially enhanced thermal robustness). Thanks so much, Sam...!
- A Skype telecon was held this weekend to discuss progress of the
flight testing of the Chute Controller and to discuss possible means of
ground testing the device using a "barometric chamber" that would
simulate the flight of a rocket. Participants were Chris King, Ed
Mallory, Richard Nakka and special invitee John Springer. The flight
test program is continuing to go well with both Ed and Chris planning to
fly the Chute Controller again in February. In order to augment the
flight testing, Ed has proposed construction of a barometric chamber
which would allow for simulation of flight by decreasing the chamber
pressure at a rate that would close follow the pressure decay of a
rocket in flight. Two concepts are illustrated in the attachment. The
barometric chamber could also be used to test other avionic components.
As such, this would seem to be a worthwhile project. We are looking for
a volunteer to work on this proposed project with Ed (who already has
his plate full), and in particular, to construct the apparatus and ship
it to Ed. If anyone is interesting, or knows of someone who might be,
please contact Richard.
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To share in our dream, help by making a contribution to the Sugar Shot
to Space program.
http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
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Project
Description
