Sugar Propellant

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I downloaded a really good article (“Proposal for the Inclusion of KNO3/Sugar Propellants in the TRA Experimental Rocketry Program”) on sugar propellant, and ordered another 20 lbs. of KNO3. Not up to the APCP yet. Does anyone in this club build Research rockets on sorbitol or dextrose and KNO3. I know it’s not as aggressive as APCP. I used to make “sugar rockets” as a kid, and this seems like a good–and familiar place to start. Or, I just bought 20 lbs. of fertilizer that’ll end up on the yard. Checked Research Day (6-3), and there was a “K500 Sugar.” Now we’re talkin’. 😉

[edwardModerator]

Bruce,

You should really talk to 2 people. One is Nate L. out of Boulder (he flew the K500 on 6/3) and the other is Brad M. of Tripoli Colorado. Both have flown sugar before and can give you a great starting point! I you need any sorbitol I think I’ve got 25lbs from when I used to do sugar motors.

Edward

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

you need any sorbitol I think I’ve got 25lbs from when I used to do sugar motors.

Edward, I’ll take you up on that. PM your price, and we can make the exchange at Oktoberfest, or any earlier launch if you’re there. Thanks!

P.S. And, I’ll get my LEUP before I move forward with mixing, casting, and testing.

[Nate]

Hey Bruce, just saw this post.

We had a bit of an ignition problem with the K500 because we were using erythritol, a much more energetic, but far slower burning sugar than any of the others.
I’ve still got a good 10 lbs of it left though, isp’s are a good 30-40 points higher than any other sugar I’ve worked with. let me know if you want to get together sometime and melt some sticks!

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Nate, let’s wait for warmer weather. 😉

[MikeSModerator]

Just got all my PVC and fittings today.

Getting closer to making sugar propellant.
Sorbitol/PN/Iron Oxide Red.

Recieved My chemicals a few months ago from Skylighter Inc.

Also recieved five EMK kits from RCS today. pretty nice.

Not making a motor yet. Need to make a few small batches first
to get in the grooooove.

Almost have everything needed.

Starting to get a fun feeling in my belly.

I did talk to a some people at a couple launches. They gave Me
many pointers. The most common was temperature, temperature.
When making, use the right temperature. And. Follow the instructions.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Yes, heating temp is imperative–I remember doing this back in the mid-60’s on a disgarded electic skillet from my Mom who warned to not blow myself up, or my Dad’s garage–neither happened, though I am skeptical of the current “deep fry” the stuff–whatever works though, but so are the ingredients. Mike, did you buy the KNO3 where I recommended? If so, it’s the best I’ve ever come across in… doing the math in my head, may take a while… okay, 47 years. Very hot, as hot as KClO3 or KClO4 or NH4ClO4, but not as “powerful,” all said and done. What you’re dealing will not explode unless contained, just burn very hot. There are limits to every oxidizer or fuel. Just be safe and have fun! 😉

[Anonymous]

Perhaps one of the most incredible CATOS I’ve ever seen was at BALLS a couple of years ago. The name of the rocket was “Black Sugar” and it had a very (VERY) large motor. Patty N. got some photos of it. It was quite spectactular…

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

It was quite spectactular…

Yeah, that, too. Right combination is as hot as anything we fly. 😯

[edwardModerator]

I have one of the small deep fry pots from Walmart. Works amazing. With the sorbitol you just have to mix it in, and keep the temp correct and it will melt nicely. I’ve never added RIO because it already burned very fast. I always got it nice and melted and then I let it sit there for about 1/2 hour to make sure it got a good heat soak – that way everything was melted. Then I mixed, vacuumed and poured. Loved it 🙂

Edward

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