9/25/2018 Tools + Supplies

(/) Let's Make ...

Lesson 1: Tools + Supplies Ask a Question Download

f (http://www.autodesk.com)
0% complete
Download Next Lesson » (/lesson/Stomp-Rockets-1/)

ROCKETS CLASS (/class/Rockets-Class/): LESSON 1

TOOLS + SUPPLIES
with mikeasaurus (/member/mikeasaurus/)

(https://cdn instructables com/FSU/4BUK/J0WONLNU/FSU4BUKJ0WONLNU LARGE jpg)

Welcome, Cadet!
Rocketry is a great way to get outside and be creative. There are plenty of ways to launch
your ideas - from homemade rockets made of household materials, to more sophisticated
rockets that can reach heights of hundreds of feet. In this introductory class we'll take a
https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 1/10
 look at a few types of rockets, and how they operate,
9/25/2018
to get you on your way to being a
Tools + Supplies

space ace.
Ask a Question Download
The supplies required for each project are at the beginning of every lesson, and all
compiled here for reference:
0% complete

Stomp Rockets

½" PVC pipe (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNIXTY6/?tag=instructabl09-20) (about

10')

1x ½" PVC 90-degree slip-on elbow (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BPGSQ4/?

tag=instructabl09-20) or 1x ½" PVC 45-degree slip-on elbow

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNIZ6IS/?tag=instructabl09-20)

2x ½" PVC slip-on end cap (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNIZ2QY/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

1x ½" PVC slip-on 4-way splitter (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1RT6VC/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

1x PVC 1" to ½" reducing bushing (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008I4BEDM/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

PVC cement
Hot glue

Cotton balls

Tape

Lots of 8½" x 11" paper (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AFL8GY/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

Pump Rockets

Bike pump (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015SX4NCO/?tag=instructabl09-20)

Sports ball in ation needle (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZTD5G3/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 2/10
9/25/2018 Tools + Supplies
Fun patterned duct tape (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZ3CUYO/?

tag=instructabl09-20) (optional)
Ask a Question Download
Markers (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFHD/?tag=instructabl09-20)
0% complete
Lazy rockets if you don't want to DIY (https://www.amazon.com/StratoFins-Screw-Water-
Rocket-Fins/dp/B00BA3K0WY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1480636187&sr=8-5) (screw-
on water rocket ns)

Model Rockets

Model rocket launch set (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/?

tag=instructabl09-20)

Launch pad (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NAQ78/?tag=instructabl09-20)

Rocket (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006MZRPA/?tag=instructabl09-20)

Launch controller (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NAQ50/?tag=instructabl09-

20)

Rocket igniters (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NAQ64/?tag=instructabl09-20)

Rocket engines (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006ZVZ94/?tag=instructabl09-20)

(start with the smallest "A" type)

Recovery wadding (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NAQ6O/?tag=instructabl09-20)

(aftermarket add-on)

Shock cords (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BHKAQK/?tag=instructabl09-20)

(aftermarket add-on)

18" parachute (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NAQ6Y/?tag=instructabl09-20)

(aftermarket add-on)

Safety

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 3/10
9/25/2018 Tools + Supplies

Ask a Question Download

0% complete

(https://cdn instructables com/FLO/29EI/J0WONLOA/FLO29EIJ0WONLOA LARGE jpg)

Safety is critical when doing any rocketry. All rockets work with propulsion, which is
usually explosive in nature. In this class we're dealing with pressure difference and
chemical reactions, which are safe, but still need some safety measures.

Taking precautions doesn't mean any less fun. In fact, safety increases fun as it means
that no one gets hurt during your experiments. Always work within your comfort zone,
with respect for the components you are working with, and with an adult present when
it's necessary.

Though you might not need a lab coat and pocket protector, eye
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G93S8DM/?tag=instructabl09-20) and hearing
protection (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NKSMPZW/?tag=instructabl09-20) for you
and your crew is required.

What's a Rocket?
A rocket is any kind of projectile that uses a rocket engine to produce thrust. In the scope
of this beginner class we're going to widen the de nition of rocket to any projectile that is
launched and achieves thrust by any means.
https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 4/10
 Using a more broad de nition of what rocketsTools
9/25/2018
are,+ Supplies
we can explore a few different
methods of making our own rockets and learn about some basics of weight and shape. At
the end of this class we'll lookAsk
at athe classic de nition
Question Downloadof a rocket and use real engines to
launch a rocket into the sky!
0% complete
There are lots of different types of rockets, and constant advancements in technology
means that there will likely always be new types that are different than what came before.
Using the very basic de nition, here's what most rockets look like.

Rocket image modi ed from Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:V-2_rocket_diagram.svg) Creative Commons

The engine portion will be what we explore most, starting with a simple and
approachable method of launching rockets and then progressing through more
challenging rockets to end with a bang.

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 5/10
9/25/2018 Tools + Supplies

Ask a Question Download

0% complete

(https://cdn instructables com/FR1/C4H0/J0WONLPT/FR1C4H0J0WONLPT LARGE jpg)

Rocket image modi ed from Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:V-2_rocket_diagram.svg) Creative Commons

Throughout this class you're sure to have some rockets that perform better than others.
There's a lot that goes into rocket design, and small changes in any one area of the rocket
can produce a dramatic difference in performance.

To get the most out of your rocket you'll need to keep a few things in mind:

Drag

The frictional force of air acting against the direction of motion is drag, which slows the
rocket down. While your rocket is in ight it will be pushing air out of the way.

Center of gravity

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 6/10
 The point at which the rocket weight is balanced.
9/25/2018
Try resting a pen across one nger,
Tools + Supplies

where it balances without falling off is the center of gravity. Your rocket will have a center
of gravity that will likely be in Ask
theafuselage,
Question
you can move the center of gravity by adding
Download
or taking away weight from the nose cone.
0% complete
Center of pressure

The point where the total sum of air forces act against the rocket. When in ight, the
rocket engine is applying force upwards, while gravity and drag apply force downwards.
The center of pressure is the sum of these forces in relation to the center of gravity. In
rocket design, you want the center of pressure below the center of gravity to achieve the
best performance.

Stability

Rockets need ns to help stabilize the trajectory while in ight. As air passes over the
rocket the ns are parallel to the direction of motion. If the rocket begins to tilt, the air will
catch the at side of a n and the force of air will push the n downwards to be parallel
with the direction of motion. With multiple ns the rocket maintains its direction while in
ight.

Quiz Time!
Put your knowledge to the test, try the quiz below and see how you do!

QUIZ QUESTION 1
What safety items should you wear when launching rockets

Safety Glasses

Watermelon helmet

Labcoat

Answer!

QUIZ QUESTION 2
Which is NOT part of a rocket?

Nose cone
https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 7/10
9/25/2018
Mr.Coffee Tools + Supplies

Fuselage
Ask a Question Download

Answer! 0% complete

QUIZ QUESTION 3
Good rocket design has:

The center of gravity above the center of pressure.

The center of pressure above the center of gravity.

Answer!

Strap In..And BLAST OFF!

That's it for the theoretical side of rocketry, time to do some practical engineering!

Next lesson, we'll start with the most accessible type of rocket to get you into applying
the basics. Strap in, Cadet. Time to blast off!

Next » (/lesson/Stomp-Rockets-1/)

Ask a Question

Search existing questions... 

Ask a Question

Rocket Design?
Answered 1 Answer

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 8/10
9/25/2018 Tools + Supplies
simple rocket?
Answered 1 Answer

Ask a Question Download

Link of bike pump?

Answered 1 Answer 0% complete

Is it possible to build a 5 ft tall rocket?

Answered 4 Answers

about CG and cm?

Answered 1 Answer

CG and CP?
Answered 3 Answers

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 9/10
9/25/2018 Categories Tools + Supplies About Resources
Us
Technology (/technology/) Residency
Workshop (/workshop/) Who We Program
Ask a Question Download
Craft (/craft/) Are (http://www.autodesk.com/pie
Home (/home/) (/about/) 9/residency/home)
0% complete
Food (/food/) Why Community
Play (/play/) Publish? (/topics/)
Outside (/outside/) (/create/) Sitemap
Costumes (/costumes/) Jobs (/sitemap/)
(/topics/Positions- Help (/id/how-to-
available- write-a-great-
at- instructable/)
Instructables/)
Contact
(/contact/)
Find Us

(http://www.instagram.com/instructables/)

(http://www.pinterest.com/instructables)

(http://www.facebook.com/instructables)

(http://www.twitter.com/instructables)

© 2018 Autodesk, Inc. (http://www.autodesk.com)

Terms of Service (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=21959721) |

Privacy Statement (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=21292079) | Privacy settings |
Legal Notices & Trademarks (http://usa.autodesk.com/legal-notices-trademarks/)

https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Tools-Supplies-4/ 10/10