So, today Noah didnʻt come to school, and I decided to try and launch our improved rocket on my own. Everything was going well, right up until the rocket was about to launch. The water was filled to the same amount as our first launch, and the air pressure barely reached 50psi, which is way less than our first launch. It was strange because I was still able to easily use the pump with one hand, and the hose was leaking. Then, out of nowhere our rocket explodes in my face. The fins were everywhere, and our rocket was blown open, down the center of the bottle. The explosion was decently loud, and I was left soaked in water. The pieces that had been blown off were actually very warm to the touch due to the explosion, and I had to spend the period salvaging whatever parts were left on our rocket. Our group is set back, but we can build another rocket just as good, in a short period of time. Unfortunately our new rocket wonʻt be as nicely decorated, due to the fact that the paint was possibly the cause of the explosion.
Possible causes of the explosion:
1- The paint weakened the plastic bottle, making it easy to expand and explode.
2- While razor cutting the design for the rocket, the blade might have punctured or left a small hole/scratch which lead to the explosion when the air pressure in the bottle started to expand the bottle.
3- God was hating on our rocket, and blew it up
4- Karma is a B****, and S*** happens.
According to Mr. Blake, this is one of the first times that he has had a studentʻs rocket blow up. If this will help anyone in any way, or if you might possibly run into the same situation, please leave a comment. Thanks. (Darin and Noah)
Great post. It was our first time with the explosion. Interesting as the bottles are usually rated to about 125-150 psi from the factory. I do think that the structure may have been compromised by the paint or possibly by the razor cuts.
ReplyDeleteI guess that we live and we learn. Good job and continue to press on and improve your designs.