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A Picture Gallery of Bottle Rocket Illustrations

Basic
Steps
To
Build a Rocket
SpaceNeedle.jpg

Rocket
Designs
CenterofMass.gif

Concepts

parachute.jpg

Para-
chutes

wrssboy.gif

Safety

PLadhesive.GIF

Tape
& Glue
That
Work
With
Plastic
Soda
Bottles

What Will Be Done In Class?

In class we'll learn abou t basic construction, attaching fins, Physics principles that make rockets fly, and rocket stability.
What Will Be Done At Home?


The actual construction of the rocket will take place at home.

Can I Work With a Partner?


NO, everybody makes one!

Can I TEST It at School Before the Launch Date?


Yes, one day before the LAUNCH DATE we will have an in-class workshop where you can bring your finished rocket in for analysis, weighing, and "Center of Mass" testing.

If your rocket weighs too much or too little, you still have time to do "fix ups."

How to Build a "Water-Powered Bottle Rocket"
Using Two 2-Liter Soda Bottles
# times viewed since 10/29/06:

Construction
The project involves designing and constructing a water powered bottle rocket by adding a nose cone and fins to a two-liter soda bottle. Our rockets launch at 60 degrees. The rocket to achieve the greatest distance wins!

Bottle Rocket Photo Gallery      (October, 2007)
   

VIDEO #1:

1. Start with your basic 2 liter Coke bottle.
2. Remove the label and the cap retainer ring.
3. Reinforce the bottle with strapping tape.
4. Decide on the number of fins you want and mark fin guides on the bottle.

   

VIDEO #2:

1. Use printer paper to make fin templates. 2. Transfer your design to plastic "Pocket Folders" and cut out fins. 3. Fold along crease lines, glue the sides together and attach fins to the bottle with strapping tape.

   

VIDEO #3:

1. Learn about "Center of Mass." 2. Build a nose cone from your 2nd empty soda bottle. 3. Add a bit of weight to the nose cone and measure the total mass of your rocket (200 - 240 g.) and the center of mass. 4. Adjust both if necessary.

   


    Launch Directions
    1. Add 1 liter of water to the rocket.

    2. Insert the stopper into the mouth of the bottle.

    3. Place the rocket in one of the holes in the launcher. (60 deg. = greatest distance; 90 degrees = greatest height)

     4. Attach bicycle pump connector to the valve stem in the stopper.

     5. Start pumping.

     6. The rocket will take off when the stopper can no longer withstand the pressure in the bottle.  

Principles
That Make
Rockets Fly
This is REALLY important.  If you don't get the Center of Mass high enough, your rocket will NOT fly straight!

 CenterofMass.gif

Rocket
Stability
This one answers the question, "Why do you need tail fins?"

 TendencytoTumble.gif


In any Internet search engine type this in:    
"water + rocket"   ...  and follow the links.
Here are a few examples: