Understanding
Rocket Motors
What motor to select and why? Also, is there more than one choice, and, if so, what are the options?
At left: the famous Liftoff of Apollo 8 from Kennedy Space Center.
First, let's examine how a typical model rocket motor physically functions. That will help us to see the big picture before we get into the details.
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Let's also take a quick look at the meaning of motor versus engine. Click on the image at left to visit a web page for a good set of definitions.
Helpful Resource:
A black powder rocket motor propels a model rocket using black powder. Black powder rocket propellants consist of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate. Adjustments can be made to the amount of each component to change the rate at which the black powder burns. Black powder rocket motors were created in a primitive form by the Chinese in the early 13th century, and through the years refinements have been made and several uses created. They have been used for weapons and surveillance devices as well as recreation. Black powder rocket motors are only produced in small sizes, to reduce the risk of explosion and a loss of efficiency. Black powder rockets are produced in classes 1/4 A through F. Larger sizes of model rocket motors use ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, or other composite fuels that contain ammonium nitrate.
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Rocket Motor Classification System
