The Bottle Rocket Project Overview
Introduction:
A rocket is defined as a device propelled by the expulsion of gasses, usually
generated within the device itself. The rocket’s motion results from the
reaction to its exhaust blast (much like a recoil of a gun), and is explained by
Newton’s Third Law of Motion, “For every action there is an equal but
opposite reaction.”
The principle of a rocket motor may be understood by considering a closed
container filled with a compressed gas. Within this container the gas exerts
equal pressure on every point of its walls. If a hole were punched in the
bottom of the container, the gas at the bottom would escape, and the pressure against the top of the container
would no longer be equalized. Hence the internal gas pressure would tend to move the container as a reaction
to the jet of air escaping downward.
Challenge:
You will research, design and create a bottle rocket that is powered by a mixture of compressed air and
water that will consistently fly a 200 foot range, in a straight uniform direction without tumbling; or coming
apart during flight.
Procedure:
To complete the bottle rocket project follow these steps and document each step in your Design
Notebook to be turned in to the teacher at various times for grading. For each item documented, put a sub-title,
your name and the date. Additionally typing the technical report as you go is a great time-saver tip.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Observe a bottle rocket test launch and write the Design Brief. Include a sketch of the
launching device in your design brief.
Use the flight simulator to gather data on several variables
http://www2.widener.edu/~crn0001/Bottle/BottleRocketEnt.htm
Gather Relevant Scientific and technical background information and determine the
science based objectives for this project.
Write the Product Specifications.
View material resources available and Brainstorm ideas. Make at least 6 rough sketches
of possible solutions. Put description of unique design feature in a caption for each.
Create a morph chart that breaks down the design into its features and functions.
Conduct a straw rocket experiment on one rocket design feature. Document the Data and
what was learned in the Design log.
Make a rough sketch of your first prototype, labeled with materials.
Construct prototype #1 and photograph it.
Test prototype #1 and record its range data from three trials. Calculate the average
range and the percent of the objective. Record qualitative observations of how the rocket
flew.
Redesign by changing one variable at a time and document the modifications, construct
Prototype #2 , photograph it, test it and record the data.
Carry this process out for 1 more prototype (You will have a total of 3 Prototypes),
repeating Steps 1-9 as many times as necessary to optimize the rocket’s performance.)
Draw scaled engineering drawings by hand according to the teacher directions for
orthographic drawing.
Type the technical report to complete the project.
Variables that may be changed:
The amount of water, The amount of pressure up to 80 PSI,
Mass and center of mass of the rocket,
Length of the rocket,
Number (none, 2, 3, 4, or 5),shape, and placement of fins
Type of nose cone (round, pointy)
Angle of launch
Any attached part
Product Specifications: (You will break this list down and add to it as you go to result in at least 12 specs )
 The rocket must use a 1 liter soda bottle for the pressure chamber
 The pressure chamber must be wrapped in 2 strips of mailing tape containing threads.
 The fins and the neck of the bottle must be compatible to the launch mechanism, which is designed to use a
1-liter bottle. Note that bottle companies make various size rings on the neck of their plastic bottles. Some
neck rings are too small, causing premature launch. Teams will want to check their bottle in the
launcher before spending considerable time in the construction of the rocket.
 No metal, glass, or hard parts may be used anywhere in the rocket’s design
 Launch pressure cannot exceed 80 psi.
 Though various rocket components may separate during the flight, all must remain attached to the rocket
body.
Construction Tips: To prevent distortion of the plastic bottle while putting on attachments, use a pressure
keeper. The nose of the rocket usually absorbs a considerable impact and this should be considered in the
amount of time spent on this design feature. The expansion of the pressure chamber of the rocket breaks the
bonding seals of most glues and the fins rip off. Duct tape works well to keep them on. Fins should be firm.
If they flop around they are useless. Consider the possible materials and sizes for fins with advantages and
disadvantages to each: index cards, cardboard, chipboard, foam core, Sturdi-board, balsa wood, Styrofoam,
corrugated plastic.
Safety Rules:
1. Follow all safety rules as outline in the Barrack science department safety rules.
2. All rockets must meet the product specifications and pass a safety inspection.
3. Be careful not to compromise the integrity of the plastic: Do not puncture or weaken your bottle such as
with a knife, super glue, hot glue, hot/boiling water, sandpaper or chemical solvents. Use of duct tape is
highly recommended as the main type of fastener.
4. Wrap several bands of reinforced mailing tape around the pressure chamber before construction.
5. Wear High Impact eye gear in the launch area at all times.
6. Do not aim the rocket at any people or structures
7. Do not walk in the impact area during pressurization
8. Do not look down into the barrel of the launcher during pressurization.
Final Evaluation of Rocket Performance:
There will be three actual official (observed by me) launches per team. Any prototype may be used to make up
the three official launches. Practice launches will be allowed of each prototype before the due date. The range
will be measured and flight will be observed for stability, and range. Any items that detach will be noted.
Student Responsibility: Students must always wear safety glasses while anywhere near the rocket launch area.
Students must leave room 201 spotless after working. During collaborative teamwork on the project, all
absences must be made up by arrangement with the teacher. All rocket construction must take place under
teacher supervision. Each project team will be assigned launch days, to be responsible for setting up and
dismantling and putting away launch equipment.
Preliminary Questions: Name ______________________________ Date _______________
You will want to take notes on our discussion during the rocket launch demonstration and after.
1. Why do we have to use water? What
is its purpose?
2. Will it fly without water? What
happens to it?
3. If a little water works well, will a lot
of water work better?
4. Will it fly best when it is totally full
of water?
5. What volume of water works best?
6. What do fins help do for the rocket?
7. Does the size of the fins matter?
8. What number of fins is possible?
9. What is the center of mass/gravity of
a rocket?
10. What forces are acting on the rocket
during the launch?
11. What forces are acting on it during
its flight?
12. At angle should we launch the
rocket?
13. Your own question:
14.
15.