[BProckets] Testing motors

[Dan Durachko]

Check out Sleeter's new book.  He describes in detail a simple, elegant
test stand made using common hardware store items.  Assorted springs
provide adjustable "thrust capacity" for the setup.  [Springs extend in
a linear fashion in relation to the amount of tension (read as force or
thrust) they are subjected to.]  (Overstressing results in permanent
deformation of course!)  You can make a safe and accurate stand to test
motors putting out 60 pounds or more of thrust cheaply - I'd say easily
less than $30 and perhaps much less if you have enough stuff lying
around your shop.  I am making one right now but haven't gotten far into
assembly.  If you only want max thrust it's really cheap but Sleeter
even describes how to make a cool homemade chart recorder to generate
thrust/time curves from which you can then calculate specific impulse.

-----Original Message-----
From: bprockets-bounces at amateurrocketry.com
[mailto:bprockets-bounces at amateurrocketry.com] On Behalf Of Tom Mueller
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 12:51 AM
To: bprockets at amateurrocketry.com
Subject: [BProckets] Testing motors

Has anyone built or created a testing platform of some
type to test out the thrust of a motor?  I am looking
to create something to measure the maxium amount of
thrust of my motors over a given time interval.  Any
ideas out there not involving spending an arm and a
leg?  Thanks.

Tom Mueller

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