Rocket Science Project at John Marshall High School

1. Continuing the Maroon Tradition John Marshall High School

2. Class Project by Linda Kelly John Marshall High School-NISD Faculty Mentor Eric Petersen, Ph.D. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Texas A&M University JMHS

3. Solid Propellant = Rocket Power NH4ClO4 = oxidizer Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene hydrocabon chain = binder and fuel Isophorone Diisocyanate = curing agent additives JMHS

4. My Research • Attain crystal images with microscopy and digital photography • Enhance images with Photoshop • Size crystals with IQMaterials software • Analyze data with Excel • Standardize the procedure for the size distribution in a sample of NH4ClO4 started by Matthew Janish JMHS

5. The Process Digital Photograph of AP crystals through the light microscope JMHS

6. The Process Digitized picture without the background JMHS

7. The Process very enhanced image of AP crystals JMHS

8. The Results avg diameter by circumference Matt’s = 234 μm Linda’s = 162 μm (and 151 μm) avg diameter by area Matt’s = 223 μm Linda’s = 148 μm (and 140 μm) JMHS

9. My Results avg 162 <110 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 particle size JMHS

10. My Results avg 148 <110 120 140 160 180 200 220 particle size JMHS

11. Class Project Task: determine the mathematical attributes and size distribution of a sample of rocket propellant Given samples, students determine mass, volume, density, surface area, size distribution Use appropriate units, show sample calculations, graph distribution of particles TEKS: Chemistry 1,2,3 Physics 2 Math 4,8,9 JMHS

12. Sample Pre-Test & Post-Test One milliliter equals __ cubic centimeters. 1 10 0.1 0.01 What is the formula for the volume of a sphere?____ Engineers only do research. T / F JMHS

13. Class Project Timeline: three to four days Class periods: five chemistry & one physics Grouping: 2 students / group Logistics: half the class will make direct measurements; half the class make indirect measurements Challenge: Which method will derive the most accurate results in a timely manor JMHS

14. Direct Measurement JMHS

15. Mass 4 Large = 4.90 g 8 Med = 5.45 g 14 Small = 3.86 g 26 Total= 14.23 g Volume 4 Large = 1.9 mL 8 Med = 2.2 mL 14 Small = 1.6 mL 26 Total = 5.7 mL Direct Measurement Sample Data Density 4 Large = 2.6 g/mL 8 Med = 2. 5 g/mL 14 Small = 2.4 g/mL 26 Total= 14.23 g / 5.7 mL = 2.5 g/mL JMHS

16. Indirect Measurement photograph JMHS

17. Mass % x total .3443 L x 14.23 g = 4.90 g .3830 M x14.23 g = 5.45 g .2713 S x 14.23 g = 3.86 g Volume V = 4/3 (3.14) r3 4.19 4 L x 4.19 x (.5cm)3 = 2.1 cm3 8 M x 4.19 x (.4cm)3 = 2.1 cm3 14 S x 4.19 x (.3cm)3 =1.6cm3 Indirect Measurement Sample Data Density 4 Large = 2.3 g/mL 8 Med = 2.6 g/mL 14 Small = 2.4 g/mL 26 Total= 14.23 g / 5.8 mL = 2.5 g/mL JMHS

18. Size Distribution by Surface Areas LargeMediumSmall Direct Indirect JMHS

19. The Challenge The group that gets the most accurate measurements will give me their sample to ignite!!! JMHS

20. Engineers do more than just make stuff! They teach, question, design, research prior information, test, measure, collect data, use technology, communicate, give presentations, travel, collaborate with others The Purpose JMHS

21. Special Thanks Dr. Eric Petersen Kevin Kreitz Tom Sammet Tyler Allen Nicole, Will, Jonas, Nolan, Madeleine, Sean NSF, E3, Texas A&M A&M partners JMHS

22. Resources Images and information from Kevin Kreitz presentation, May 27, 2009 Data from “Ammonium Perchlorate Particle Sizing” protocol, Matthew Janish, August, 2007 Images from Microsoft Office clipart JMHS

23. That’s rocket science.