Ethanol Alcohol Rocket, 1N22.60

Location:

• Cabinet: Mechanic (ME)

• Bay: (A3)

• Shelf: "T"

attachment:EthylRocket.jpg Thomas(Tom) Lovell (1946-2005)

Description:

A 5 gallon water jug is shot some 20 feet across the stage with a 3 to 6 foot flame. To show propulsion of a rocket using ethanol alcohol as rocket fuel. This demo does have failure rate of about 10%. Where it just fizzles and doesn't go anywhere.

Setup:

1. "Setup time is 25 minutes"

2. Put the 4' "[ " Aluminum tack on the lecture demo cart as a ramp with the 4x4 block at one end.
3. Pore about 35ml of Ethanol alcohol in to a beaker.
4. Make sure that the water jug is clean, dry, and does not smell bad. If it does, flush it out with either compressed air or water.

5. Make sure that the water jug does not have any cracks, that it isn't bridle, or milky white. If so, Through it away and get a new one.

6. Pore the alcohol into the water jug and swish it around a bit.
7. Place the water jug up right with a stopper in the opening "loosely" so that the air and gas can leak out.
8. Let set for 10 to 20 minutes.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

1. Safety Equipment is a must; Glasses, hearing, and a fire extinguisher
2. Remember that when alcohol burns, the fire often can not be seen.
3. KEEP the Rocket at least 8 feet from the wall or anything that can burn. The rocket produces a 5 foot flame that can be seen.
4. Rocket is an one time shot. If it fails the jug will need to be cleaned and reset. I often setup two rocket in case of failure.

5. DO NOT STAND BEHIND THE ROCKET....

Demonstration:

Move the demo cart into place. Make sure that there is at lest 20 feet unobstructed area in front of the rocket. Make sure that the rocket nozzle is at least 8 feet from the wall, curtains, or anything that can burn. Have a "Real" fire extinguisher handy in case of fire because this rocket can produces a 5 foot flame that can be seen. Wear hearing and eye safety gear. The rocket makes one heck of a load sound. Use either a match or lighter stick to ignite the rocket after you have a audience count down. The igniter will feel that heat flash when the rocket takes of and in general won't see much at all.

References:

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