Introduction: How NOT to Build a Rocket Motor!
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About: I'm a total gearhead. I love working on cars, airplanes, rockets, sailboats, whatever. Cars i've owned and/or rebuilt: 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1977 Lotus Esprit, 1979 Fiat X1/9 & Strada, 1970 Ford Bronco, …
Back in the good old days I was one of the few lucky scientists who got to work at was then known as the AF Rocket Propulsion Lab (AFRPL) . It was a great place to experiment with different types of rocket systems, including liquid, solid, plasma, solar and some other exotic designs. At RPL most rocket tests were static, meaning they were held in place as they fire.
The following sequence of images was taken by a colleague ( who's name escapes me at the moment ) of a test firing of a new solid rocket motor design.
As you will see things didn't go as planned. Fortunately, no one was injured.
17 Comments
2 years ago
Amazing photos! It must have been an amazing experience to stand there and witness that unfold!
9 years ago on Introduction
Excellent photo documentation of a learning opportunity!
10 years ago
No one was injured instead they all died! Just kidding.
11 years ago on Introduction
Big Bada Boom!
12 years ago on Introduction
I'm impressed by the camera used to take the images. That it was able to adjust the exposure fast enough to darken the sky in the time that it took for the explosion to occur is very impressive.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Research lab budget makes it possible, I would assume.
14 years ago on Introduction
That joke is horrible... "it got fired!".... har har har... :-)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
wish i could take credit for that one....lol. impressive guy yourself 73 instructables and counting?!!!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
168 now! Look at them too. There is some cool stuff.
12 years ago on Introduction
That must have been so bright if the camera changed the sky to dark!
13 years ago on Introduction
Totally Awesome! You are my new best friend! my education is in aerospace engineering and the test phase is the coolest portion of the R&D. Awesome Shots! Why did the rocket lose it's job? Because it got fired! HAHAHAHAHLOL! Just like why did the chicken cross the road? Becasue it was carbon bonded to the robot! HAHAHAHAHALOL!
14 years ago on Introduction
"Whose name escapes me at the moment".
=)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
by any chance is this you that took the awesome shots?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
If it were I would be sure to tell you. ;)
14 years ago on Introduction
nice toyota landcruiser! i got a 73' with a 327 v-8 in it
14 years ago on Introduction
Sir, what rank were you?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
1st Lieutenant