Testing commenced on October 10/28/17 with results summarized below.
Procedure
- 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. (REVISION 9/24/18: The piston body will move at least a little bit by conservation of momentum. Clamp the piston down) - 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 | Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 | 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. Couldn’t fully clean before the next test as a result. Small amount of movement–due to cons. of momentum. The piston was definitely pressurized when we got to it at approximately ambient pressure but it wasn't at the same volume because the rod had moved. | May have lost small amount of black powder during installation. |
| 2 | 1.0 | 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. |
Videos and Images
Multimedia name 23056522_966800806792433_8487709207804510208_n.mp4
Observations and Suggested Improvements
- Slot the 1/4 NPT cap instead of the Firebolt