09-16-2012, 10:45 PM
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Master Modeler
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 6,507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brain
Fascinating!
I would think that this method would fall under the HPR category... 30 lbs. of water fuel? How many ft. per second did it say? Nice...!
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Considering its relatively low ISP, the Truax TR-1 steam rocket might have been in the category of what today would be called LPRs (Large Model Rockets), in the "borderlands" between model rockets and HPRs. With today's engineering, I think steam-powered model rockets of the size of the Vashon/Estes Cold Propellant model rockets are feasible; like Truax's steam rockets, they could have calibrated-pressure safety valves (like those in pressure cookers) to prevent steam explosions if the water in the rockets was over-heated.
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