how can i make a rocket out of common household items?

Question

must make at least 40 pounds of thrust

not a terrorist.
lol.
just an enthusiast

Answer 1

I used to make rockets when I was young. A lot of them exploded, but I used many different oxidiser/fuel combinations - fuels including aluminium,red phosphorous, carbon, icing sugar, etc and oxidisers like ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, nitrocellulose (home made and lots of fun) but these are not readily availible. The easiest way of making a rocket from readily availible items (not really household items but easy to obtain) would be to use gunpowder (made from flowers of sulphur, sulpheter (potassium nitrate) and charcoal powder). Do an internet search for gunpowder. Tips - be very careful (I take no responsiblity if you hurt yourself), grind the powders as fine as possible - the finer the better - use a pestle and motar, use some sort of binder if possible - even if it's sugar). The rocket shell must be strong and light - learn from the rockets in fireworks - it is easiest to use a cardboard shell with a plaster of paris plug at the top and a plaster of paris nozzle on the other end. I tried metal shells - they heat up quickly, weaken and burst open. Ignite electronically from a distance (use a battery, a long cable and fuse wire in the fuel at the exit nozzle of the rocket).

There are some general guide lines - you will have to experiment with nozzle design, length/diameter ratios of rocket, fuel composition (burn speed) and ways of packing the fuel. One can make a hollow along the center of the rocket from top to bottom to facilitate gas flow and uniform burning - check out basic solid fuel rocket designs on the google and the net. There are also various types of launch pads you can use to make sure your rocket is going in a straight line with enough velocity to keep on a straight path. You should also put stabilising fins on the base of your rocket.

When you get more advanced, you can include some kind of parachute to deploy when the fuel is spent (using a secondary charge to pop open the cone and release it)

Be sure to launch the rockets in an open field of green grass (to avoid possible fires) and away from any houses or people. There are lots of amature rocket clubs. I suggest you join one and get some advice there. They generally buy their rocket engines off the shelf with fixed burn rates, burn times and total thrust. These are more reliable, more consistent and safer than home made engines. You will have to do lots of research to get all the information you need - and the internet is great for that.

Good luck and remember - safety first!

Answer 2

You must be young. when I was a kid I messed around with rocket stuff. Trying to make solid rocket fuel etc. The etc. means I'm not going to tell you the other stuff because you could get hurt, and i would be responsible. Whoa! I just saw you wanted 40 lbs of thrust. Dude you need to get a life!
Anymore if you want to do those things its a No-No.
espessially if you are a terrorist.

Answer 3

you sure can.

Take an ordinary soda pop 2 liter bottle that's empty. fill it half way with water. place baking soda and vinegar in the bottle. cork the bottle and turn turn it upside down so the neck is down. step away. and watch. when it builds up enough pressure, the water will fly out one end with about 40 pounds of pressure for about 2 seconds. enjoy.

Answer 4

use a piece of paper and a crayon and draw one. pah dum pah!

Answer 5

you want the FBI doun your throught.