Propulsion

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Propulsion
Jeff Rhoads and Terry Ballinger
MST _at_ MSU 2006
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What is Propulsion?
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What is Propulsion?

• The science of propelling (pushing) an object
  forward

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What is Propulsion?

• The science of propelling (pushing) an object
  forward

Mechanical Motion
Fuel
The Process
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Propulsion Systems

• Internal Combustion Engines
• Steam Engines
• Electric Motors
• Nuclear Propulsion
• Jet Propulsion

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Propulsion Systems

• Internal Combustion Engines
• Steam Engines
• Electric Motors
• Nuclear Propulsion
• Jet Propulsion

Most relevant to todays activity.
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Internal Combustion Engines
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Internal Combustion Engines
How it Works
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Steam Engines
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Steam Engines
How it Works
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Nuclear Propulsion
How it Works
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Nuclear Propulsion
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Jet Propulsion

• Involves the acceleration of a fluid through
  (from) an engine

What does this do?
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Jet Propulsion

• Involves the acceleration of a fluid through
  (from) an engine

Produces Thrust
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Jet Propulsion
Combustion
Oxygen
Thrust
Fuel
Rocket Engine
(Outer Space)
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Jet Propulsion
Combustion
Oxygen
Thrust
Oxygen
Fuel
Combustion
Fuel
Turbojet
(High Altitudes)
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Cool Movies
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Cool Movies
Jet Blast
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Cool Movies
Rocket Launch
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Todays Activity
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Todays Activity
CO2 Propelled Boat
Objective Create a CO2 propelled boat that
travels the greatest distance in the minimum
amount of time.
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Materials

• Other Materials
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Clear plastic tape
• Pennies
• Graduated cylinders
• Exact-o Knifes

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Todays Activity
CO2 Propelled Boat
Objective Create a CO2 propelled boat that
travels the greatest distance in the minimum
amount of time.
Mechanical Motion
Fuel
Propulsion
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Todays Activity
CO2 Propelled Boat
Objective Create a CO2 propelled boat that
travels the greatest distance in the minimum
amount of time.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mechanical Motion
Fuel
Propulsion
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The Combustion Process
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The Combustion Process
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The Combustion Process
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Design Considerations

• Best ratio of baking soda to vinegar
• (How can you systematically optimize it?)
• Method to seal the reaction chamber without
  mixing the baking soda and vinegar
• Size/placement of exhaust hole(s) for CO2 to
  escape
• Appropriate weight and its distribution