as someone who getting into rocketry, this is very well put together and well done, thanks!

Good job, excellent tutorial. I am a teacher of high school chemistry and physics in Rio de Janeiro and I will use use the idea of your video with my students next year, when I return to classes after the pandemic. Continue with your videos. Greetings and health to you.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comments!! It has always been my goal to inspire others in the field of science. Please let me know how everything works out. Chuck

@flip0345

2 жыл бұрын

Why dont you have your students try to make a car engine run on this

@sebdapleb1523

2 ай бұрын

@@flip0345 car engine run on solid fuel??

Great video production!

Thanks my friend! I will sure use your method and video once I have my permit in July!! I will film everything and cannot wait to show you! Anyway thanks for the great video and good content, hope you will become famous you deserve it buddy. ~Justin😉

@TheRocketeer

4 жыл бұрын

I am looking for ward to your video! Stay safe and have fun.

Thank you so much for your help.☺️☺️

Great video with easy to follow instructions! I like having the timer out in front to see exactly how long everything should take. Yesterday I made the 1 inch motor you did in a previous video and it worked great Here is a helpful hint about the Karo syrup. Don't try to pour it into any cup. Just set your syrup bottle on your scale and zero it out. Then simply pour straight from the bottle into your pan while frequently checking the weight. Once you hit -54 grams, you are good. There is very little mess this way and you will probably be more accurate with the amount you put in.

@TheRocketeer

4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your comments and great tip on the Karo syrup. Thanks for sharing your experience with the 1 inch motor! I put a lot of time and effort into the videos and often wonder if anyone has tried to follow them and produced a working motor. I am gathering parts to make a proper thrust stand. I hope by this summer to test various sugar fuel combinations and obtain hard data on them.

@kevinmorrison657

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer I tried biulding the thrust stand I saw on the Elemental Maker's KZread channel. The instructions were good, but I couldn't get it to work. Either my wiring is wrong or the program I downloaded for the arduino isn't working .

@TheRocketeer

4 жыл бұрын

@@kevinmorrison657 If you would like to follow my thrust stand build then go to my Home Page - About and there you will find my email address.

@CarlosSD

3 жыл бұрын

@@kevinmorrison657 if you are still interested in the test stand, I put a comment with the corrected code in the elemental maker video

@kevinmorrison657

3 жыл бұрын

@@CarlosSD Thanks! I will check it out!

Fantastic videos really enjoyed thankyou.

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed them!!

This is the best video on casting propellant grains that I have seen. Suggestion: why not put a cast iron skillet or griddle on top of your electric hot plate, underneath the pot that contains your mixture? I believe it could help mitigate the explosion hazard. Correct me if I am wrong.

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

There are a lot of misconceptions concerning casting sugar fuel. It does not require a lot of heat to make flexi-fuel or sorbitol. It does require a lot of heat to make Rcandy and that is one of the reasons I discourage anyone from making it. The propellant is not going to explode. The answer to your question would be fairly long so let me skip to a far better solution. The last several months I have been using an induction cook plate. This method is fantastic for making fuel. I will be making a video on that process in the near future.

@takudzwadadiwa543

Жыл бұрын

Its sugar tea

Love the geek shirt... alot !

Very Nice! I liked the timer(what to expect) and the copper(lower ignition hazard) tubing for the castings and the aluminum(?)(lower ignition hazard) rod for the center hole pressing. The bare hot plate element was scary(ignition hazard). Modifying the shape while hot was better than cold(less handling is better). Overall, best I've seen!

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark for your comments. Making rocket propellant can be potentially dangerous. That's why I offer many tips to minimize the danger and make the process safer. Attention to detail and minimizing distractions are very important. The copper colored tube is a short piece of phenolic liner that helps support the casting tube.

Instead of filling the segments to the top and then having to always trim them, just fill to a certain height so when you go to insert the cores, the washers raise to be level with the end.

@enternal_sly5443

3 жыл бұрын

@overkillRC Hmm, not likely. Unless you put the fuel in a vaccum, you wont get rid of all the air. I've used this propellant a lot and packing it doesn't force air out, it just compresses the pockets which is actually more dangerous than having large pockets.

Great casting tutorial. I have to say the best R- candy casting video on the Internet. Where did you buy your coring rods? What nozzle throat diameter do you use for this 38mm flexi-fuel engine? Thanks for sharing and God Bless.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

The coring rods are .50 aluminum purchased at a home improvement store and cut with a hacksaw. I gave them a good bevel on the end with a file. The nozzle used for a 4 grain LOKI 480 motor is a #18 or #19 (16/64) for flexi-fuel. Flexi-fuel is not true r-candy because it has corn syrup and therefore a slower controlled burning rate. It is my opinion that r-candy is not safe to make or use for numerous reasons. Good questions and thanks for the comments, God bless!

Merci

Use Aluminum, or Copper washers and cool the melted propellant faster through heat sinking, your fingers will thank you.❤

❤🎉❤🎉❤Love

@TheRocketeer

2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

What igniter do you recommend that you feel works best with these sugar engines? Thank you in advance.

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

I use a dipped e-match to light my sugar motors.. This igniter will also light APCP composite motors. I have listed the tutorial below for you. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZISFtNBmnNyphps.html

Why to use corn syrup does it have any advantages compared to just kno3 and sugar? And another question is sorbitol a better option?

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes sorbitol is a better option. Watch for a new casting tutorial on sorbitol soon. Your questions answered here. kzread.info/dash/bejne/gaqoqNqdh7HYoJM.html

Propellant should be powered and packed to increase surface area so that it burns to produce high pressures force.

@TheRocketeer

10 ай бұрын

That is true for powdered fuel. Melted fuel provides very intimate contact with the oxidizer and that produces more efficent burning and thrust.

Nice video!! The second element is carnosol right? Seems hard to find it here

@TheRocketeer

4 жыл бұрын

Karo Syrup is a type of corn or glucose syrup that will also work. Amazon carries the product if you have access to them. According to Wikipedia carnosol would not work. I hope that helps.

@KeepNavigating

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I will go check it online. You did fascinating work! I really admire it!

You could remove the washers with a magnet

Why should we heatup the mix ? Does it make fuel more powerful ? Does mixing up sugar and kno3 wont work or performance will be lesser in dry powder form ?

@TheRocketeer

7 ай бұрын

Casting the fuel wraps melted sugar around the oxidizer therefore creating superior thrust. Pressed dry sugar propellant is good for a simple demonstration of smoke and fire. Melting the fuel provides a lot of thrust. Check out the video tab on my home page for more videos on rocket fuel. @TheRocketeer

Have you ever added an ejection charge to this? Did you use a Loki 38mm Smoke Delay/Ejection Charge Bulkhead?

@mr.harris8185

2 жыл бұрын

I just found my own answer. You replied on another video that you use the Loki.

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

@@mr.harris8185 Use the "faster burning" delay (brown) for sugar motors. If a medium delay is what you typically use then drill for a small dely. Sugar propellant does not burn as hot so a shorter delay is necessary. Use a long shock cord until the delay is dialed in. I have an updated tutorial where an induction plate is used to heat the fuel.

Question: I notice you don't use iron oxide in the motors. Any particular reason why?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Red iron oxide enhances the burn rate of sugar fuel. The problem is I don't know how much (yet) the burn rate is accelerated. That makes it difficult to design a motor. The other issue is there are better ways to control burn rate and RIO does not increase the specific impulse of the fuel.

Do you use finely ground KNO3?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

I use granulated KNO3 from Seed Ranch. Grinding the KNO3 makes it difficult to pour. www.seedranch.com/Potassium-Nitrate-Powder-KNO3-Saltpeter-p/kno3-powder-5.htm

I never used corn syrup method before... does it make a difference in the fuel? I just use kn03 and powder sugar..

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

The fuel is easier to pour and has a loonger pot life. The corn syrup allows lower temperatures to be used as well.

@scotthouston7116

3 жыл бұрын

Ah. Got ya thanks. Great videos. Trying different methods.

Q: Why have you not used FeO (iron oxide) in your mix? The difference in greater thrust is made by adding that one, cheap ingredient?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Red iron oxide (RIO) will cause the propellant to burn faster because it is a burn rate enhancer and produce more thrust but over a shorter period of time. The specific impulse or total amount of energy over time will not improve by much if any at all. RIO can over pressurize the case and cause a CATO. I will be testing the effects of RIO this summer. Thanks for the question, I hope that helps.

You note that the grains were drilled to 1/2 on the following day. I have tried twice and the grains break apart. Any drilling tips? Also, what size nozzle is recommended? #12? Thanks.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

I try to avoid drilling grains if possible. All my 38 mm grains are cast with a 1/2 core at this time. A 3/8 core may work fine in a lighter rocket. Cook the fuel a little bit longer. The grains will not be quite as gummy. Wait a few days or longer to allow the grains to firm up. Use a brad point bit in a drill press and at very slow speeds. Drill in small steps using a 1/16 larger bit each time. Cracked grains must be discarded or cut open and used in a fresh batch of fuel. I check the LOKI site to see what nozzle is used with each case. A #19 (19/64) nozzle is used with a 480 case. This is a good place to start until you gain more experience in motor building. If a motor burns longer than 1.25 seconds then the next smaller size nozzle may work better. Most of my 38mm motors burn not less than one second and not more than 1.35. I will have a tutorial in the spring covering BurnSim a motor design tool. www.burnsim.com/default.asp The Nakka spreadsheet can also be used with the sorbitol preset. www.nakka-rocketry.net/softw.html I hope that helps, Chuck

@andylarson19591

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer thanks for the insights. I'll check the design tools and utilize the A#19 per your suggestion. Happy New Year.

how do i know the diameter of the coring rod depending on the grain external diameter?? thanks for the help 🙏🏼

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

A 38mm motor will typically have a 1/2 (12.7mm) core and a 54mm motor would have a 3/4 core (19mm). You can use a 5/8 (15 - 16mm) core on 38mm to provide more thrust to lift a heavy rocket or boost a standard rocket on a windy day. So yes the core size is related to the motor diameter. That was a good question, thanks.

Doesnt it catch moisture when you let it set over the night???

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

I live in an area where the humidity is low. If you are concerned about moisture then put the grains in a plastic bag and seal them when they are firm. I store my fuel in a sealed container for storage.

I am a jetex lover .. can we cast sugar for jetex models too ? Can sugar fuel be modified so that we can a favorable sugar fuel instead of Guanidine Jetex fule for Jetex scale models ?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

I am not familiar with the Jetex motor so I had to look it up. The Guanidine Jetex fuel is very unique, it burns rather slowly and at lower temperatures. That is the opposite of rocket fuel! It may be possible to dry press a mix of sucrose and potassium nitrate (65/35) into a small pellet size and try that. Some of my first PVC motors were done that way. I am not sure if it will damage the motor or not. Good luck!

We're you referring 3.8mm as the inner diameter of the casting grains and the diameterof the motor itself?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

Motor cases come in standard sizes such as 29, 38 and 54mm. I am referring to a 38mm case using BATES grains and a 1/2" core or 12-13mm. I hope that helps. You can find more information here: www.lokiresearch.com/page/Tech_Info Please add me as a featured channel on your rocketry page, thanks!

@g-gon8869

Жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer oh thanks a lot for this again

The temperatures are contradictory. Should it be 130C?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

Yes, 130C or 265F.

Can i use 55% potassium nitrate i dont have 100% kno3

@TheRocketeer

6 ай бұрын

The oxidizer needs to be 100% Kno3. In the US stump remover will work when ground into powder.

Hi I have one question can I drill by 12.8mm drill bit?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

Yes, you could use a 12 or 13mm to drill the core. The fuel is not easy to drill, it sticks to the bit. A little machine oil may help on the drill bit.

@spaceie6101

Жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer thank you very much

i somehow couldn't find the the video about the snap rings installation, would you be kind to direct me to that video please.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Here it is! kzread.info/dash/bejne/nox4ubipfaeadKQ.html

@sudipvikramadhikari9355

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer thank you sir

Do more rocket fuel mean more power and thrust?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, adding more fuel will increase thrust and total impulse. A larger nozzle size will be needed to accommodate more fuel.

@roboarjun

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer So instead of using more sugar mix if we use 2 sugar rockets, then?

So technically, this could not be launched at a tripoli launch because this is flexi fuel which uses sucrose and corn syrup. Looking at the tripoli rules the sugars listed are dextrose, sorbitol and erythritol. So can you only fly these 3 sugars? I'm a little confused lol.

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

This is a summary of the Tripoli ruling as I understand it. Sugar fuel must contain at least 51% of the three sugars you listed. The ruling does not claim that sucrose or corn syrup cannot be used. With those guidelines in mind then flexi-fuel is not allowed at a Tripoli launch because the primary sugar is sucrose or corn syrup. My opinion on the matter is that flexi-fuel meets the criteria if 51% of the fuel is corn syrup. I believe corn syrup should fall under dextrose as the main sugar component. Corn syrup (Karo) is a proprietary sugar and because of that Tripoli will not accept it as dextrose. The other thing to consider is Tripoli is not willing to assume any risk. It took a landmark decision at the Supreme Court that was expensive and lasted several years to allow us to use ammonium perchlorate (AP). That decision is the basis that allows us to use commercial motors and make our own rocket motors in the US. I think the ATF just tolerates us as long as there are no significant problems. This is simply my opinion on the ruling. Flexi-fuel is my favorite propellant for a number of reasons. I have been using sorbitol for all my launches this year. Watch for a new updated tutorial on how to cast sorbitol and overcome some of the issues I have had with it in the past.

@firstnamelastname.7749

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer so if you wanted to fly flexi fuel at a tripoli launch, you could dissolve dextrose in water to make a pseudo karo syrup and make flexi fuel from that right? As long as it made up majority of the fuel?

Hi, Really very well explained! You are at the top ! I would really like to be able to realize this engine but I am not sure to find all the elements in France ... Would you accept if necessary to send me the casing, liner etc. if I make you a paypal payment in advance? Thank you Sébastien from France

@TheRocketeer

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Sébastien, I am sorry that I am not able to help you with the casting tube set. You could contact the vendor and ask if they are able to ship overseas. I think obtaining the oxidizer may be a larger challenge. Check local laws and see if it is legal to obtain KNO3 and mix the fuel. Have you looked at my PVC motor video? kzread.info/dash/bejne/eqOJzs2sXbLQj5M.html Casting set: alwaysreadyrocketry.com/ Thanks for your comment, good luck and stay safe!

can i cook it without Karo? using water Only?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

Karo is the same as glucose, invert or corn syrup.Glucose syrup is used to keep baked goods soft. It is used the same way in rocket fuel to keep the propellant from becoming rock hard. Do not make rcandy or fuel without syrup, it may explode. Watch for a new video next week where I talk about rcandy and syrup alternatives.

Is that really basic sugar ? It melts at a really low temperature and stays soft for too much time to be sucrose I think

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

The sucrose does not melt from heat but rather it dissolves into the corn syrup. The corn syrup causes the propellant to be pliable. Sucrose + KNO3 = Rcandy. I do not advise anyone to make Rcandy because in my opinion it is dangerous.

@shere_kan8329

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer is it dangerous with basic sucrose or with sorbitol and dextrose as well ? I live in France and I'm not quite sure corn syrup exists. Do you know what is it made out of ?

In what universe is 265F equal to 74 Celcius? boiling point (100C) is 212 F, and freezing point (0C) is 32F. 265F is 129 Celcius !

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I made an error in the conversion, it should read 130 Celsius. It is too time consuming to edit and re-upload the video and most people are going to recognize the error. BTW you misspelled Celsius :)

@wealthelife

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer Yep. I was being a smart-arse. I notice someone else had already commented on this, so I should have just shut up ;) Nice video BTW. Although I think I'll stick to mixing powdered sugar and KNO3 rather than heating an explosive over an electric hotplate... your saying 'make sure none drips down onto the hotplate' gave me goose-bumps. I have my powderman certification and am a chartered industrial chemist, but it seems too dodgy a process for me to attempt at home ;)

What is first element ?

@TheRocketeer

2 жыл бұрын

It is Karo corn syrup. This item is common in the US for baking cakes and cookies. Please see this link to make it yourself. www.jamesyawn.net/rcandy/nokaro.html

why can't we make a long solid propeller ....like 500 mm long what is the issue?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

It is possible to pour a very long grain. It would be very difficult to push a long coring rod into the fuel or pull it back out after the propellant has cured. Drilling the core out is not easy either because the fuel sticks to the drill bit. That is assuming a very long drill bit is available. If you are able to make a very long grain let me know! Good luck.

@thirumeniparthiban6261

Жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer thanks for the reply...so there is no technical restriction.

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

@@thirumeniparthiban6261 No technical restrictions with a long single grain.

265 F is 129 C

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

Yes, this has been mentioned several times in the comments below. At least you didn't say I was a menace to society as some have : )

What is the propellant?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

The propellant is called flexi-fuel, 65/18/17. That is KNO3 - corn syrup - sucrose and it is not the same as candy.

@Berghiker

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer So the sucrose is the casting sugar?

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

@@Berghiker Yes, sucrose is the casting sugar.

Saya sangat menyukai tutorial anda , dan saya coba untuk membuatnya,tp keesokan harinya meleleh lagi , tolong kasih tau kenapa bisa begitu?

@TheRocketeer

Жыл бұрын

Bahan bakar harus tetap kering. Simpan dalam wadah tertutup.

Call it a Kosdon knock off casing .

Its sugar tea

1:11 what's in the pan

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

It is fuel scraps from an earlier casting. The pieces can be melted again.

@ENES-ce8js

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer understood thanks

Примерно так же, цыгане варят мед из сахара😂

Maaf kalau di simpan lama tidak mencaiir?

@EventPhotographyMI

2 жыл бұрын

Tetap kering dan tidak akan meleleh.

@briam2752

2 жыл бұрын

@@EventPhotographyMI ok terima kasih sangat membantu

You've already made a vídeo casting flexi fuel before this vídeo. In that other video your cooking time was 5 minutes and you spilled the sugar and the kno3 in the corn syrup at the same time. So, what are the diferences between the cooking methods??? Like and suscribe

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

I have improved my casting methods from the previous video. I prefer to let the sugar dissolve in the corn syrup first and then add the KNO3. Thanks for your comment.

@facundososa3055

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer thanks for your answer, i like to learn new things

@ 1:45 265 F is 130 C, not 74 C Good video anyway.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

You are the first person in a year to point that error out. Thanks.

@atvheads

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer I am going to build a smaller 3/4" engine, with hydraulic cement for nozzle. I have 3d printed molds for the casting of the nozzle. I think about 11/32" 8.5mm dia for nozzle, what do you think? The tube is pvc.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

@@atvheads I would need more information but I think the nozzle is to large for a 3/4 motor, I think a 3/16 washer may work. It is difficult to pour a 3/4 case with fuel. Voids or bubbles can cause a CATO to make sure the fuel is packed tight. You may want to start with a proven design such as the 6" x 1" PVC motor and work from there. Good luck and stay safe!

@atvheads

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRocketeer Ok, that small? So, the only washer i can buy is for m4, that is 4.5mmm in diameter. Close enough.

@TheRocketeer

3 жыл бұрын

@@atvheads Yes, I think that 4.5mm (.17) may work depending on the length of pipe. I use a 0.21 nozzle in a 1" PVC motor with 4 grains that equal 6" (152mm) of fuel. Start with a short length of pipe and add to it until you end up with 1 - 1.25 seconds of actual thrust. Small changes in nozzle diameter make a huge difference in thrust and pressure. Measure each washer (important) with a drill bit so that you know the actual size and then keep good records as you observe each burn. Assume every motor has the potential to CATO. If the motor does not hold together then go up a nozzle size. Use flex-fuel or sorbitol, do not use rcandy or it will explode. Stay safe and let me know how it goes.