Experimental rocket
According to international definition (see below) is an experimental rocket an amateur rocket , are themselves constructed in which all components, including the propellant. Experimental rockets differ significantly from model rockets or high-power rockets , where the engines are industrially manufactured and approved.
Experimental rockets can e.g. B. used to conduct scientific or semi-scientific experiments. Purely technical experiments involve measurements of engine parameters such as thrust, combustion chamber temperature , etc. Scientific measurements usually focus on the measurements of the parameters of the air surrounding the rocket (measurement of pressure and temperature ) astronomical objects - not only in the visible spectral range. ( Sounding rocket ).
If necessary, experiments to investigate weightlessness are also conceivable. The measurement data obtained are usually transmitted by radio, but it is also possible to record the data on board in the form of photographic films or magnetic tapes and then let them fall on the parachute. Because of the high technical effort involved, this is rarely done.
Legal regulations and safety
Due to the legal regulations in many European countries like Germany it is not allowed to manufacture pyrotechnic rocket propulsion systems without the corresponding permits. A manufacturer's license according to the Explosives Act and an approved production facility are required for this. In some countries such as the USA or Denmark, however, the construction of pyrotechnic motors is legal, even if partially restricted by transport regulations. Experimental rocket builders based on the American model can therefore be found in Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries.
On the subject of safety, it should be noted that the handling of explosives is a very delicate matter and should only be dealt with by professionals who also have the necessary equipment. In connection with the construction of your own engines, accidents, some of them fatal, have occurred frequently in the past, which is why in most countries only competent personnel are allowed to handle explosives. As a safe alternative in the hobby area, model rockets and high-power rockets are available that work with ready-made, approved and therefore safe drives.
Combustion-like drives are an alternative to pyrotechnic motors, and their operation is more like a normal internal combustion engine in a car. Such drives are not subject to the Explosives Act, as the components used would not cause an independent explosion, but these drives are subject to the Machine Safety Act. Such drives are for example:
- Pulse motor : The combustion chamber is brought to a certain temperature, which causes the inflowing gas to ignite itself and generate a drive pressure (similar to a diesel engine).
- Methanol engine : a methanol-oxygen mixture is continuously injected into a combustion chamber under high pressure. After ignition and with the constant supply of the fuel mixture, stable combustion is maintained.
Definition of terms
Internationally, when one speaks of experimental rockets, the above definition is used. The rocket is, as is common practice, classified according to the type of its construction (completely self-made including the engines). This definition applies both in Europe including Germany and in North America or other parts of the world such as Australia or New Zealand. Within Germany, some colleagues are of the opinion that experimental rockets are rockets for carrying out scientific and / or technical experiments . This definition is also controversial in Germany and is therefore not shared by all organizations and colleagues. Firstly, it is in contrast to the international understanding of this term and, secondly, it creates technical confusion. This would mean that the rockets would no longer be classified according to their design features, but rather according to their intended use. For example , an experiment can also be carried out with a model rocket that carries electronics, an egg, etc. as a payload.
Web links
General information on the topic
- German-language information portal
- European missile information portal
- Technical article "What are experimental rockets" etc. (in German)
- Info page from R. Nakka (USA) about experimental rockets (English)
- Australian experimental rocket site