|
Home |
 |
|
Materials. My water rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used and the performance of my water rocket. I will not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a water rocket. Motors. I will use only pressure tested, plastic containers (like 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles) in a manner consistent with this code. Recovery. I will always use a recovery system in my water rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. Stability. I will check the stability of my water rocket before its first flight, except when launching a water rocket of already proven stability (like an unmodified soft drink bottle). Payloads. My water rocket will never carry live animals a payload that is intended to be flammable, explosive, or harmful. Launch Site. I will launch my water rocket outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines and buildings. Launcher. I will launch my water rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the water rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. Out of consideration for others, my launcher will have a water deflector device to prevent the water jet from hitting the ground directly, thus sputtering mud (even on a lawn). Pressurization System. The system I use to launch my water rocket will be remotely controlled. It will contain a pressure relief valve that will depressurize the motor when released. All persons will remain at least 10 feet from the water rocket when I am pressurizing water rocket motors up to 50 psi, and 20 feet from it when adding more pressure. Launch Safety. I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending water rocket launch and can see the water rocket's lift-off before I begin my audible five-second countdown. I will not launch my water rocket so its flight path will carry it against a target. If my water rocket suffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made certain that the motor pressure has been relieved. Flying Conditions. I will launch my water rocket only when the wind is less than 20 miles per hour. I will not launch my water rocket so it flies into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property. Pre-Launch Test. When conducting research activities with unproven water rocket designs or methods I will, when possible, determine the reliability of my water rocket by pre-launch tests. I will conduct the launching of an unproven design in complete isolation from persons not participating in the actual launching. Launch Angle. My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use water rocket motors to propel any device horizontally. Recovery Hazards. If a water rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it. Pressure. Students will have to decide how much water and pressure to use in their rocket. For safety reasons, the pressure will be limited to 60 pounds per square inch |
|
|
|
|
