Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!clyde!att!ucbvax!husc6!yale!mfci!rodman
From: rodman@mfci.UUCP (Paul Rodman)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Model Rocket Engines
Keywords: model rocket safety
Message-ID: <610@m3.mfci.UUCP>
Date: 9 Jan 89 15:56:56 GMT
References: <17612@vax5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU> <374@avsd.UUCP> <101@stanton.TCC.COM>
Sender: rodman@mfci.UUCP
Reply-To: rodman@mfci.UUCP (Paul Rodman)
Distribution: sci
Organization: Multiflow Computer Inc., Branford Ct. 06405
Lines: 27

In article <101@stanton.TCC.COM> donegan@stanton.TCC.COM (Steven P. Donegan) writes:
>
>In the amateur rocketeer genre, has anyone ever used the Zinc/Sulfur mix that
>was recommended in an Amateur Scientist column? This was supposed to be a
>totally safe, no explosion possible, mixture for solid engines. This engine
>was built inside a METAL (aluminum tubing) casing which, in my state, is
>illegal for model rocketry. Any results?
>

Oh Lord. Yes you may use Zn/Sulfer safely, IF you have lots of sand for
your sandbags to build bunkers with!

ANY engine that uses METAL casings is dangerous, PERIOD. ANY propellant
can explode in the wrong conditions. (using copper for a burst diaphram, for
example!)

Lots of basement bombers have used Zinc/Sulfur and survived, but with
"G" engines available who needs the risk? The time you spent building fuelingb
pits and launch pits and observation bunkers would be better spent earning
a few bucks for buying G engines!!

Jeeeeezzzz, "G"?! I remember when a 12 oz thrust , 2 second engine (C2.0?) was
HOT stuff....


    Paul Rodman
    rodman@mfci.uucp