PARS first Hybrid launch Planned

PARS ventures into hybrid is taking longer than expected. But there is good news. Kes has decided to learn Hybrid technology as part of his DoE, Dan is considering a Hybrid project (to be decided) and we've found out that Oliver's 29mm rocket, the Oli 4, can be easily converted to use our SkyRipperSystems hybrid motor H78. I've asked Dan and Kes to start to arrange for some of the Chimera build to happen at their schools, and I'll work with Oliver on the Oli 4 conversion. This involves putting in apogee ejection into the nosecone.

So the first hybrid launch is likely to be Oli 4. The exact launch date is uncertain, but is likely to be at the Nov EARS event.

Wilson's School supports Project Chimera

Good news. Wilson's School in conjunction with WASA is supporting the PARS Chimera Project.

We are going to be using the D-T labs to make up the re-loads for the Chimera B0 motor. We have a variety of plastics, including Polypropylene, Acetal, ABS, UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and others. The re-loads will be about 8 inches long for the 38mm hybrid.

Plastics were obtained from Direct Plastics Online.

29mm Sky Ripper ... yikes!

In order to help us, and to understand fully how commercial hybrid motors work and assemble, PARS has purchased a 29mm Sky Ripper Systems system (3 tube set plus internals).

Olives, O-Rings and Gas Jets

Gradually, we are starting to assemble the parts required for the B0 motor. Today, Nitrile O-Rings turned up from RS Components. They can withstand temperature to 135C. Viton would be better to 200C, but we cannot yet find a source for them in the right size.

Also from RS Components, we purchased some spare 3/16 olives for the pressure fitting.

eBay was our next port of call. We needed a Gas Jet - not easy to find. It permits the release of the Nitros (venting) just before the motor is ignited. We could not find a Gas Jet from a commercial boiler, but found they are also sold by model shops for small model engines, e.g. Mamod. The only issue may be that being a model Gas Jet, the hole is incredibly small. We could not get a .3mm drill bit into the hole. The hole might be as small as .1mm. How to find out? That's the next challenge. The hole must be large enough to permit proper venting.

Spade drill bit - Good for cutting Rocket Nozzles

We were told a great tip from Peter Barber when we visited last weekend. To cut the De Laval nozzle shape in the graphite rod, a simple way is to create the right angle shape out of a spade drill bit. Grind this down to make up, approx say, 35 degrees. When it is spinning in a lathe, it will neatly cut a perfect nozzle shape into the graphite. Today I ordered a set of spade bits from eBay. Good price.

All about De Laval nozzles here

Graphite has Arrived

Following a wonderful meeting with John Barber, we now have the graphite and measurements of all key parts for the build. UKRA will be informed via Richard Osborne for S&T.

A consultant to the Chimera Project

PARS visited the Model Engineering Show at Alexander Palace yesterday, and we met up with John Barber, who is very knowledgeable about Hybrid rocket motors and many other aspects of engineering. He has offered to provide advice to the Chimera Project, and some of the things he told us certainly gave us the confidence to move ahead with this project. We are very excited. John is going to give us a demonstration of assembling a commercial Hybrid motor and to help us conduct a bench test when we have finished build Phase 2 - Chimera B0 (bench motor).