Hybrid Rocket Motor Aerospike Nozzle Tests

[whotookmeethed]

wow. that's awesome!

how is it both the combustion chamber and the solid fuel at the same time?

[ragobgar]

Well, its the solid fuel that acts like the combustion chamber, however if it were to burn through, then we'd have some problems. But it is the combustion chamber, thats where the fuels mix and burn.

[whotookmeethed]

but if it's the solid fuel and the chamber then it's burning inside itself?

i'm so confused. but it's cool!!

[ragobgar]

lol, yes, the inside is burning away while the outside acts like the chamber. The fuel grain has a 2 inch outer diameter with a half-inch diameter hole at the center.

[PurintonSFC]

looks great

this is only the 2nd aerospike i've ever seen. this is definetely the first hybrid i've seen. i'm curious if you've tried the nozzle on any other motors? I don't think plexi and Gox will get you very far if you're seeking to make thrust... tried LH2/LOX yet?

[ragobgar]

Thanks. And no, I haven't tried this nozzle on any other motors, it was designed only for this set up, however I do have another hybrid rocket motor that I machined that uses NOS and polypropylene with an Aerospike nozzle, though I haven't gotten to fire it yet, it should have the thrust of around 100 lbs. But this plexiglas and GOX setup is for a class lab demonstration so its not designed to be all that powerful. No I haven't tried LH2/LOX we don't have cryo here at school would be fun though.

[SolarWebsite]

I can't understand why the left part of the device is transparent. Is that the combustion chamber? What is it made of?

Cool clip!

[ragobgar]

Yes, the clear side is the combustion chamber, its clear plexiglass which is also the solid fuel for the rocket. If this were to burn through, there would be a problem. This set up is for a class demonstration in which they want to be able to see the combustion as it takes place.