Project
813 New igniter Test
Results
- Part of the problem with the old igniters, while reliable, they had a tendency to blow themselves out of the engine core without lighting the fuel. What was needed was an igniter that burned for up to 2 seconds while remaining in place in the engine core. This was especially important with the 913 flights where the tracer smoke element would be lit separately from the engine. A failed engine igniter could cause the rocket to just sit there and burn.
- The test of the new igniter went perfectly, proving itself to be just what I was looking for.
Construction
- The design of this igniter was a compilation of several igniter designs on the internet as well as a few of my own ideas.
- A 2" length of soda straw is the main structural component of the igniter. The same chemical mixture that was used in the old igniters is used in this one as well. One end of the straw is melted closed and the igniter mix is packed in the other end. The straw is sealed and a length of nichrome wire is threaded through the straw and attached to two 18 gauge wires.
Pros
- igniter worked perfectly.
- A short vertical burn is followed by a long hot horizontal burn.
Cons
- This design is just a little bit more fragile than the old design.
Pictures
Video
CAD Drawings
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