Here is some more on the Arizona Rocketry Teams Gizmo XXL from AIRFest. Let me start by saying that this is a Long Post !!!! We had some time to sit and go through a BUNCH of pictures as well as on-board and ground based video of the Gizmos flight (and yes I still say that it flew since it left the pad and was stable). The Propellant used in the Gizmo was the same formula that Alice flew on, and mixed at the same time (different batches but mixed at the same time in different mixers). It was a modified / combined Wimpy Red & Polish Rojo that I called Wimpy Rojo (I will share details off line if you wish just me) Ignition for both rockets was accomplished via a CuO/AL thermite igniter that was prepared at the field. both weighed 5.5 grams. The difference in the motors was that the Gizmo was a 4 motor (about 10,600 NS) with 23.75 of propellant and the motor for Alice was a 3 motor (about 7,500 NS) with 27.125 of propellant. The video shows that the igniter lite and the motor chuffed a few times, and never came up to the expected full pressure. The theory at this time is that the thermite igniter (about 1/2 gram per 1,000 NS) did not sufficiently coat the grain cores and provide the instant on but was rather sporadic (and actually cuffed out more than once). When it finally started burning it had used up several thousand NS and was effectively a much smaller motor with less thrust at that point. This determination is based on discussions after watching the video (which we will review some more) and Roy will be cutting the liner and examining it this week to see if anything further can be determined from it. HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART The Rules were followed and Safety Distances enforced - and They Worked ! No one was injured OR in jeopardy ! Thanks tot he KLOUDBusters for putting on a GREAT Launch!!!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:50:20 +0000
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