02.28.11 First Launch

Today we had a chance to launch our 2 liter bottle. This bottle had no modifications. As you can see in the video, our bottle did not blast straight up. The first time we tested it, it shot at Mr. Blake. The second time we tested it, it shot at Christina. The third time we tested it, it shot at our Co-ed director, Kama. Our best and final launch for the day can be seen in the video. Although it did not blast straight up into the air, it did launch up instead of sidewards, but ended up curving while in the air. The reason for our rocket launching sidewards is because of the placement of the holder, which we placed into the grass. Since the holed was not straight enough, the bottle did not go straight up. When we used the sticks to guide the rocket, it finally launched straight up into the air. Here lies our error. Tomorrow, we plan on modifying our rocket and testing it until it stays up into the air for at least 10 seconds. Stay connected to our blog to see more videos about our experiment.

Online Resource

http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/1092/1/waterrocketconstruction.pdf

This pdf gives you different methods that you can apply to your soda-bottle rocket. It breaks down the different parts of the rocket and how they are constructed. It sums up the rocket between three parts: the body, the nose cone, the fins, and the parachute. It also gives you hints on how to modify the rocket according to how you want to rocket to fly. An example is in the fins. If you want the rocket to fly straighter, you have to make the fins long. It also gives the reasoning behind each method, which helps the students learn the physics part. Hopes this helps whoever reads this. I liked this site because it also gives pics. which are really helpful in making your rocket. Follow the post and head off to the pdf to get started on building your very own soda bottle rocket!!! :)