Custom Mach 1 Rocket.
Fully custom solid-state rocket with custom remote ignitors and parachute deployment system.
The build
I built and launched a rocket equipped with a custom altimeter and a wireless launch system, successfully breaking the sound barrier. To power the rocket, I developed APCP rocket fuel from scratch, formulating unique mixtures tailored to our specific rocket specifications. I also designed and fabricated a custom converging-diverging nozzle and casing, optimizing them for reusability and ease of manufacturing. To validate performance, I constructed a test stand to measure thrust and compare results with simulations. It was awesome.
Evidence
Liftoff! Achieved Mach 1 during ascent.
The evolution of our rocket motors and nozzles.
The fully assembled rocket, ready for flight testing.
Mixing up the APCP propellant for maximum thrust output.
Filling and molding the solid rocket propellant grains.
Pulling a vacuum on the propellant to remove air bubbles.
A pair of homemade ignitors to trigger the propellant.
Testing the ignitor's reliability and ignition timing.
Custom-built thrust stand for measuring rocket motor performance.
Rocket motor hot-fire test on the thrust stand.
I was lucky I didnt get blasted in the face when I took this photo, instead it flew into the neighbors yard and started a fire.
Electronics for automatic parachute deployment.
Custom-fabricated converging-diverging nozzle for supersonic exhaust flow.