How to build a huge water rocket [All in one tutorial]

Discussions about rockets, construction materials, adhesives, nozzles, nosecones and fin design.
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RaketfuedRockets
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How to build a huge water rocket [All in one tutorial]

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

Hey there and welcome to this tutorial about building a giant water rocket.
In this tutorial we will show you the construction of a two meter large water rocket with a parachute mechanism and a suitable launcher.
The tutorial is split in five sections:
Part 1) Construction of the pressure vessel segments
Part 2) Construction of the launcher and the nozzle
Part 3) Pressure test and assembly of the pressure vessel
Part 4) Construction of the parachute mechanism (Phoenix 5)
Part 5) Preparations, safety aspects and launch
Attachments
How to build a huge water rocket - Tutorial in cooperation with USWR, ACW and Beaterie
How to build a huge water rocket - Tutorial in cooperation with USWR, ACW and Beaterie
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RaketfuedRockets
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Part 1) Construction of the pressure vessel segments

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

In the first part of this tutorial we will show you the construction of the pressure vessel segments.
For the best results, you will need to use a single type of bottle for the entire rocket. We recommend that you find narrow bottles with straight sides.
Bottles with textures or patterns molded into the sides are not well suited for this type of rocket.
To simplify the construction of the rocket, we will make the rocket in three short pressure vessel segments, which we will connect together later.
To glue the bottles together we use an adhesive based on polyurethane. We recommend PL Premium Construction Adhesive, but there are thousands of different adhesives you can try if you prefer to use something else.

Watch this video for a detailed step by step tutorial:
[youtube][/youtube]
Attachments
1.jpg
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Check out our YouTube-Channel: www.youtube.com/Raketfued
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Part 2) Construction of the launcher and the nozzle

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

In the second part of this tutorial we will show you the construction of the launcher and the nozzle.
The launcher is a simplified version, built from three components: the stand, the gardena system, and the trigger.
The stand can easily be made of wooden planks.You should drill some small holes so that you can anchor the launcher to the ground.
If you want the launcher to last for a long time, you should paint it to make it waterproof.
The nozzle is made of a Gardena tap nut adapter, into which is glued a bottle-cap with epoxy resin.

Watch this video for a detailed step by step tutorial:
[youtube][/youtube]
Attachments
launcher.jpg
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RaketfuedRockets - Building water rockets since 2011
Check out our YouTube-Channel: www.youtube.com/Raketfued
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Part 3) Pressure test and assembly of the pressure vessel

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

In the third part of this tutorial we will show you how you can pressure test your segments and the assembly of the pressure vessel.
For the pressure test, the segment should almost completely filled with water.
Screw the nozzle onto one side of the segment, and on the other end a bottle cap.
The test should always be performed outdoors behind a barrier, so that in the event of an explosion no one gets hurt.
Once you are ready, you can start increasing the air pressure using the hose system of your rocket launcher.
We currently test our segments to 130 PSI. An optional Gardena Regulator Valve allows the pressure to be released after a successful test,
but you can also use your tire valve for this purpose.
If all of your segments and the nozzle have passed the pressure test, you can connect the individual segments with connectors called Tornado Tubes.

Watch this video for a detailed step by step tutorial:
[youtube][/youtube]
Attachments
pressuretest.jpg
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Part 4) Construction of the parachute mechanism (Phoenix 5)

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

In the fourth part of this tutorial we will show you the construction of the Phoenix 5 parachute mechanism.
The outer shell of the parachute deploy system consists which of a bottle, the same type used for the pressure vessel segments.
Two round plates made of the same material as the fins are glued into the housing using a hot glue gun.
The shaft of the Tommy Timer is bend at the middle with two pairs of pliers.
After the paint has dried, you can attach the timer to the housing by means of a cable tie.

Watch this video for a detailed step by step tutorial:
[youtube][/youtube]
Attachments
parachute.jpg
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Part 5) Preparations, safety aspects and launch

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

In the fifth and last part of this tutorial we will show you the launch and explain the preparations.
Selection of your launch site:
-empty fields or meadows
-far away from houses, streets, trees or electrical wires
-In some cases you will need a permission of a competent authority

Take into account the weather:
-Don't launch in strong winds
-Don't launch in thunderstorms
-A few drops water from above have never hurt a water rocket

Safety aspects:
-Safety glasses are a must
-Keep distance to the pressurized rocket
-Keep an eye on walkers, children and animals

Watch this video for a detailed step by step tutorial:
[youtube][/youtube]
RaketfuedRockets - Building water rockets since 2011
Check out our YouTube-Channel: www.youtube.com/Raketfued
Check out our website: www.raketfuedrockets.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/RaketfuedRockets
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Credit and information

Post by RaketfuedRockets »

If you are interested in more information, instructions and videos on the subject of water rockets check out our YouTube-Channel or our website.
http://www.raketfuedrockets.de/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Raketfued

If you have questions, you can always write a contribution in this subforum.

Credit
-USWaterRockets helped us with translating this tutorial into English.
-The music used in the whole tutorial series was created by Beaterie.
-Timo from Aircommando Walldorf filmed a lot of scenes in the fifth tutorial part with his drone.
___________________________________________________________________________________
We wish you much success in the construction and launch of your own water rockets.
Your Raketfued-Team
RaketfuedRockets - Building water rockets since 2011
Check out our YouTube-Channel: www.youtube.com/Raketfued
Check out our website: www.raketfuedrockets.com
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ChocolateFudgeCake
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Re: How to build a huge water rocket [All in one tutorial]

Post by ChocolateFudgeCake »

Thank You This Really Helped