Easy to Make Rocket Engines

Making a rocket engine, in miniature, can be a safe way of learning about propellants and the forces acting on model, or real, rockets. Rocket engines of this type are typically used to propel model rockets at relatively low speeds for short periods of time.

Theory

Model rocket engines usually rely on a solid cylinder of propellant -- fuel plus an oxidizing agent -- for their propulsion. The propellant burns when exposed to an external heat source, and the combustion gases are directed through a clay or ceramic nozzle to produce thrust.

Simple Rocket Engine

A small, simple rocket engine can be constructed from the heads of matches from a matchbook or matchbox and a sheet of aluminum foil. Roll a narrow strip of aluminum foil -- 1 inch by 3 inches -- around a match head to form a tube. Insert an unfolded paper clip into the tube so that it makes contact with the match head.

Launcher

Insert a regular pin into a matchbook or ball of aluminum foil at an angle of 45 degrees to create a launcher. Remove the paper clip from the rocket tube and mount the tube on the pin. When the rocket is lit, the match head (propellant) burns, the hot gases exit the tube and the rocket takes off.

References

• NASA: Model Rockets and Real Rockets
• Science Toys: Simple Rocket Engine