how to make a model rocket engine from scratch with ejection charge?

Question

how to make a model rocket engine from scratch with ejection charge?

Answer 1

Skylighter has a great article on how to make Estes style model rocket engines: http://www.skylighter.com/skylighter_info_pages/article.asp?Item=141#art



Definitely check your local laws, while it's federally legal to make them for personal use on your own property your state/county/town laws could be different and in this day and age being caught with the materials to make model rocket engines gets you labeled as a possible terrorist (I've seen it happen to many times).

Answer 2

Don't do that.

It is dangerous.

It is basically a kind of fireworks manufacturing. Pre-manufactured model rocket engines were invented in the 1960's as a safe way for people to fly small rockets of their own, because people were getting injured when their home made rocket engines blew up in their face while they were making them.

Answer 3

Not only is this very dangerous to attempt, it is illegal in most states and countries to make an explosive device with materials that are required unless you have a license to do it.

See Estes Rockets in Colorado about rocket kits. I started with their products fifty years ago.

Answer 4

Basically, you can make your own rocket engine. However, Consider the following:



1) It is dangerous. It can blowup or rupture damaging you, your loved ones, and your rocket.

2) The ones on the market are really low in cost. You can buy a pack of 4 for $5.00. Why would you go through the effort of making one when you can easilly buy get them?



But to answer your question concerning the ejection charge and engine construction, having played with them enough as a kid, here's my synopsis of how a rocket engine chute deployment charge works for a simple solid propellant engine.



Basically, as the rocket motor burns and it uses up it's fuel the leftover hot gases ignite a fuse leading leading to the charge chamber. The gases in the charge chamber will have no where to expand but out through the top of the chamber thus deploying your chute.



PS I could tell you how to build a simple rocket engine but I don't know who you are or what you'd ultimately use the device for. As a result, I will not give you the details of engine construction.



Good luck.