Michael JensenDanger! Warning! Do Not Attempt!
May 14th 2009 11:28
Awhile ago, I thought it might be cool to make a jet engine/rocket. I got this idea partially from watching this video on the Make website where a guy strapped a pulse jet to his bike and took it up to 40 MPH. If you want to see the video for yourself, you can follow this link: Maker Channel Video
Unfortunately, in the video, you have to watch several other clips before you watch the pulse jet part. But it's worth it, and the other videos are interesting too.
But anyway, seeing that video kinda inspired me, so I set you to see what I could do. I didn't really follow any instructions, or really any principles. I just wanted to see if I could generate thrust. So after getting some tomato cans to be the body/nozzles, I set off to test different fuel.
I am having real problems uploading the pictures, so I'll get my dad to help me later. But I can still tell you what I did.
After I had tested the fuel, I came to the conclusion of misted camp fuel and bug spray. Well, my original plan was to have a hair dryer on one end of the jet, and in the middle, a fuel injection nozzle. I didn't have the holes cut yet, so I drilled a small hole in the bottom of one can. Then I stuck the camp fuel nozzle in, pressed the button, and lit it. Well, after trying that, I basically gave up my project. Why? Because it was so dangerous! It caused a huge fireball, and scared me half to death. So now I don't really want to add electricity and wind (hairdryer) to the mix.
My project was a failure. But it wasn't a waste of time. I benefited in two ways by doing it.
First, I learned that it is crucial to be careful when experimenting. (I let my little brother try testing the fuel, and he singed his hair.)
Second, I had fun. And besides safety, having fun is the most important thing about projects.
So while I hope you never try this, I hope it was entertaining for you to read about, (and hopefully soon see pictures about) what I did.
Unfortunately, in the video, you have to watch several other clips before you watch the pulse jet part. But it's worth it, and the other videos are interesting too.
But anyway, seeing that video kinda inspired me, so I set you to see what I could do. I didn't really follow any instructions, or really any principles. I just wanted to see if I could generate thrust. So after getting some tomato cans to be the body/nozzles, I set off to test different fuel.
I am having real problems uploading the pictures, so I'll get my dad to help me later. But I can still tell you what I did.
After I had tested the fuel, I came to the conclusion of misted camp fuel and bug spray. Well, my original plan was to have a hair dryer on one end of the jet, and in the middle, a fuel injection nozzle. I didn't have the holes cut yet, so I drilled a small hole in the bottom of one can. Then I stuck the camp fuel nozzle in, pressed the button, and lit it. Well, after trying that, I basically gave up my project. Why? Because it was so dangerous! It caused a huge fireball, and scared me half to death. So now I don't really want to add electricity and wind (hairdryer) to the mix.
My project was a failure. But it wasn't a waste of time. I benefited in two ways by doing it.
First, I learned that it is crucial to be careful when experimenting. (I let my little brother try testing the fuel, and he singed his hair.)
Second, I had fun. And besides safety, having fun is the most important thing about projects.
So while I hope you never try this, I hope it was entertaining for you to read about, (and hopefully soon see pictures about) what I did.
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Comment by James Davis
You should try to do some research before you try. Try to get a basic understaning of how it works, ways to implement etc. Might save you from dying (or killing your little brother.)
Here is a video of a jet you can try
Jam Jar Jet
Have fun.