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- Perform integration according to the integration checklist above.
- Run wires from outside to inside the blast chamber. Make sure that the wires are shorted on the outside of the blast chamber. On the inside, unshort the e-match leads and connect it to the wires.
- Push the piston rod all the way in.
- By conservation of momentum, the piston should not move upon ignition (in theory), but just in case, put a shop towel underneath to reduce scratching damage. Don't put the piston near anything it could fall off of.
- Only after exiting the chamber and closing the door, perform a countdown and connect the outside wires to a voltage source.
- In the event of a misfire, disconnect the battery and wait at least 60 seconds before allowing anyone to enter the chamber and approach the test article.
Results
| Test Number | Grams BP Used | Glue Type | Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 | Zap-A-Gap Medium CA+ | Approximate equilibrium extension of 5.5in It was at approximately ambient pressure when we unscrewed it which meant that the bolt didn’t go shooting out. A lot of residue on the walls—could be improved by using much less glue. Couldn’t fully clean before the next test as a result. | May have lost small amount of black powder and/or displaced other powder when getting rid of excess glue. We performed a tap test and black powder did not come loose once the glue was dry |
| 2 | 1.0 | Insta-Cure Super Thin 1-3 sec | Very loud noise, the epoxy was blown of the FireBolt and then conservation of momentum worked against us. Even though the piston was clamped down, it was able to slide forward significantly. |
Observations and Suggested Improvements
- Slot the 1/4 NPT cap instead of the Firebolt
- Only use a drop of glue at a time otherwise it won't dry.