How NOT to Build a Rocket Motor!

by sansoy

7.0K217

Intro: How NOT to Build a Rocket Motor!

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

flamekiller 10 years ago

Excellent photo documentation of a learning opportunity!

Big Baneser 10 years ago

No one was injured instead they all died! Just kidding.

ilpug 12 years ago

Big Bada Boom!

bsilva 13 years ago

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.

ilpug 12 years ago

Research lab budget makes it possible, I would assume.

randofo 15 years ago

That joke is horrible... "it got fired!".... har har har... :-)

sansoy 15 years ago

wish i could take credit for that one....lol. impressive guy yourself 73 instructables and counting?!!!

pufferfish9108 12 years ago

168 now! Look at them too. There is some cool stuff.

manny6574 13 years ago

That must have been so bright if the camera changed the sky to dark!

Aerospaceman 14 years ago

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!

Orion74 14 years ago

"Whose name escapes me at the moment".

=)

sansoy 14 years ago

by any chance is this you that took the awesome shots?

Orion74 14 years ago

If it were I would be sure to tell you. ;)

lukeydukey625 15 years ago

nice toyota landcruiser! i got a 73' with a 327 v-8 in it

sansoy 15 years ago

1st Lieutenant