Rocket Project Update

Ok, I have been working on this for a long time, and I'm still not done, but I wanted to make an update to show where I am at.

Change #1, Ignition System

I am using a Flyback Transformer as the ignition system. I had to rip apart a CRT monitor, and make a custom "driver" circuit to power the thing. It provides a nice 1 inch high voltage arc, much more capable at igniting my fuels than the ignition from a Utility Lighter I was using.

Here are some pictures to show you the layout.

The Black thing at the bottom is the transformer, the circuit board is the driver I had to make, and the grey box at the top is a 250W ATX computer power supply, which I had to rig to make it power on.

Here is a picture of the arc it makes:

Also as an improvement, the driver requires a transistor that gets hot very quickly as you use it. I decided to put it in a tub of mineral oil for cooling. It has shown that it lasts much longer than the heat sink I was using before. Here is a picture.

Last of all, here is a video of the arc.

Change #2, Electrolysis Setup

I have changed my electrolysis machine to make more accurate proportions of hydrogen and oxygen.

First off, let me explain the situation which prompted me to make the change. I had been running my Electrolysis Bucket for a while now doing several test runs. Well, I got to the point to where I was finally ready to do a full prototype rocket. I made enough gases to fill it up 75% of the way (which is what I want), and got it prepped to launch. Then nothing happened. It was full of only hydrogen. I devised a plan to make more accurate collection of the gasses.

Here is a diagram:

With this design I collect the gases separately, then use a device I made to precisely fill the rockets.

So, Without further adieu, Pictures:

here is a picture of my bucket with the bottles in them.

A close up of the electrode (my father in law made me these out of stainless steel). I was using graphite, but I found that the oxygen side (positive side) disintegrates too easily.

picture of the gasses being collected.

Ok, so I noticed something interesting. I tried a test fire, and I noticed that the explosion was a little lack-luster. I figured that the reason why was because electrolysis generates heat, and that the gases might be filled with water vapor. Later I realized that it was because I got my hydrogen and oxygen mixed up (because I forgot to label them) – so my proportions were waaay off (my mistake).

Solution: label the bottles, and refrigerate them. Refrigeration causes water to condense, purifying the gases.

Before refrigeration:

After Refrigeration: as you can see, the water vapor has condensed onto the sides of the bottle.

So, how do we get the gases into the rocket?

This little device:

I made it out of two bottle caps and some tubing. You will notice that the ends are offset in length from each other – this is done in a specific way to cause gas to go through one tube, and water to run through the other.

Directions: fill a bottle (the rocket) completely with water, connect it to the green end. Then take the bottle with the gas and connect it to the red side. The last step is to flip the rocket up in the air, above the other bottle, and the fuel will automatically start transferring.

I don’t have a video of this yet, but I am quite proud of it.

Change #3, The Launch pad

So, I noticed that I needed a new launching method. I needed to ensure that my rockets will aim straight before it has a chance to start spinning (from the angled fins). So, here is my original launch pad:

You will notice that there is no provision if the rocket doesn’t initially fire straight.

So, what I walked around Lowes looking for launch pad ideas. I looked at PVC, but it was waaaay to expensive, so I came up with a novel idea:

I bought two 96 cent pieces of wood, cut them in half, and then taped them to a bottle filled with water. I made it so that it tapers out at the top, so that it has less resistance to the rocket. Pretty good solution for about $2.00

Ok, so what would a rocket project be without failures?

Who Turned Out the Lights?

I will let you draw a your own conclusions as to what is going on here.

Yes, I am taking apart a CFL light. It provides a high voltage charge (which is what “energizes” the light).

So, I made a rig to test it:

So, results: as soon as I went to arc it, it fried :(

A Bad Case of Gas

So, after just making a rocket with my electrolysis bucket, I got it ready to fire.

The rocket filling with hydrogen (and supposedly oxygen).

So, without further adieu, The video.

You probably cannot tell immediately, but I am using the flyback to make a really nice arc in there, but the rocket did not fly. After some investigation, I found that the rocket was full of only hydrogen. It did not go off at all.

First Successful Hydrogen Rocket

So, I finally got it all together on the electrolysis side, and I got a rocket ready.

here is a picture of the rocket:

this thing was beautiful!

so I eagerly set it on the pad, ready for launch:

The rocket after launch:

And one more, Just for kicks

this is an Alcohol rocket I made to test out a new nozzle I designed. I think what happened is that the hole of the nozzle was closed off enough to make the bottle expand when it fired. Because the bottle expanded, it got caught in the launch pad. My ideas still need improving.

And that’s it folks.

Rocket Project

Hello everyone, it's been a while.

I wanted to show some pictures of the rocket project I am working on.

First, lemme explain how it works.

This is an Oxyhydrogen (H2 and O2) powered rocket.

So, schematic time:

By running DC current

through water (with an electrolyte, such at table salt or baking soda) the water will separate into Hydrogen and Oxygen in a 2 to 1 ratio. (see Electrolysis of water)

The H2 and O2 gas generated is then piped to the inside of the rocket.

The incoming gas replaces the water in the rocket until it is about 60-70% full of fuel.

The rocket is then ignited by putting two electrodes into the gas mixture and making a spark.

The gases explode, causing the water to be spewed out violently. This is how we obtain thrust for the rocket.

So, my implementation (so far - still a work in progress)

The Electrolysis Rig

Parts:

• Power: I bought a bridge rectifier from Radioshack that converts 120VAC to 170VDC.
• Rig: I bought a bucket from Lowes (and a lid - yes, they sell it separately), with some tubing.
• Electrodes: The key element is a Gouging Rod I obtained - carbon is the ideal electrode because it doesn't corrode. You can also use Stainless steel rods (or screws), but I discourage this because there is a potential for releasing Chromium (which is poisonous).
• Electrolyte: I used Table Salt, but I found that Baking Soda worked better. Baking soda is cleaner and conducts better.

Preparation:

I cut my carbon rod in half, and then soldered wires to each half (be sure to use wire colors to denote one as positive and one as negative).

I drilled two holes on opposite sides of the bucket for the electrodes. I then drilled a hole in the lid for the tubing.

I epoxied the carbon rods in place on either side, and then epoxied the tube in place on the lid. I made sure that the end of the tube (that connects to the lid) was as close to the Lid as possible

(this is important).

it is important to run electrolysis in the bucket to erode the copper on the carbon rods before you use it for the first time - on the positive lead, oxygen is produced, causing the copper to oxidize, or rust, decreasing the amount of Oxygen produced (i.e. not good).

Use:

Fill the entire bucket with distilled water. Fill the tube with water. Connect the power supply to the electrodes. Plug in the power supply. Slowly add the electrolyte (baking soda) to allow conductivity - be careful not to add too much, as this will cause the circuit to arc.

The Rocket

Preparation:

I bought some 2L orange soda from Publix. I used some CD Jewel-boxes to make some fins for the rocket. The cap of the soda, I drilled a hole big enough for the tube, but just big enough for a snug fit - this needs to be able to pass water over the outside of the tube.

I also bought a utility lighter, not for lighting anything, per say, but for the electronic igniter. I removed the igniter and then soldered it to some cat5 cable for an extension.

Use:

fill the rocket entirely with water, insert the tube, start the electrolysis (this will push fuel through the tube, and then into the rocket). When the bottle is filled mostly with gas, remove the tube and insert the cat5 cable for ignition (you may want to put some tape over the hole temporarily).

move back and click the ignition.

Just so you know, I haven't gotten to this point yet, but I have done preliminary tests, and the ignition works. My "rocket" went 2 feet off the ground (I think I had too much water in it, plus the bottle didn't really hold up the pressure).

So, pictures:
This first picture is just a good view of the whole thing.

This one is of the top of the lid, where I epoxied the tube to.














this one is of where the electrodes are placed in the side of the bucket and a wire is soldered on.














Here is my rocket, with a hole in the cap and fin's on.

And finally, this video is of a preliminary test where I am lighting some captured Hydrogen and Oxygen.