Project 2

Soda Bottle Rocket

Options:

• Internet Research: Write a brief article on various types of water rockets.
• Design, build and launch your own soda bottle rocket rocket.

WARNING:

Use extreme caution when launching rockets.

Launch the rocket only in a vertical position and use a system to aim the rocket correctly during launch.

Any person standing within 3 meters of the launcher should wear eye protection.

Rockets should only be launched in an open field – the rocket could land anywhere within 20 meters of the launching point.

If you decide to attach tail fins or a nosecone to the rocket, note that it will land with a far greater impact than it would without these enhancements. Wearing head protection is advised.

OPTION 1: INTERNET RESEARCH

Search the Internet to gather information on water rockets. Write an article on the different types of water rockets. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different designs.

OPTION 2: DESIGN AND BUILD A SODA-BOTTLE ROCKET

Search the Internet to gather information on various designs for soda-bottle rockets. Design and build your own rocket launcher.

Have fun!

Soda Bottle Rocket Launcher

There are a number of different types of soda bottle rocket launchers. A simple mechanism consists of a rubber stopper with a hole in it, a clamping device and a tube to connect the stopper to a hand pump. A valve is needed in the tube to prevent water and air escaping from the bottle before the rocket is launched.

The release pin (firing pin) is a u-shaped piece of steel wire. The release pin slides into the holes at the top of the two upper bars and holds the bottle in position by clamping on the ridge on the bottle’s neck.

A piece of string is used to pull the u-shaped pin out of the holes and release the rocket.

Another Design

Other types of launchers are based on the fact that common 7/8" pvc pipe fits snugly in the opening of a soda bottle.

The following diagram shows a design using pvc pipe:

The bottle fits over the post. The diagram does not show the clamping device or how the seal is provided to prevent leakage of water and air from the rocket while the pump is operating. Some systems use a groove in the pipe and a rubber "O"-ring to provide a seal. The right amount of plumber’s tape wound round the pipe may also work.