Hello,
I would like to build a solid fuel rocket engine made of sugar and potassium nitrate.
But before building it, I want to be totally sure to make things in a way that there are no dangers.
I've read many things concerning how to prepare this fuel safely; but i have some specific questions:
1) Is there a risk that this fuel detonates or causes a dangerous explosion even if it is not in a closed space?
2)I've seen many videos about rockets of this kind that exploded because the nozzle of the engine was too small. I know that i have to keep a safety distance of tens of metres from the rocket when i ignite the engine, but, in the case that a engine explodes in my hand, what would happen to me?
3) How likely is that this fuel ignites spontaneously when it is at room temperature and relatively far from fires? Can it be ignited by friction when i handle the engine or while i put the fuel in the engine tube?
4)And at last: in the case one of these things was likely to occur, can i make something to minimize the maximum possible damage to a safe level? For example, building only small engines?
and please, when you answer, only tell things that you are sure of (or tell that you aren't sure of what you say).
Maybe i sound paranoic, but i don't want to put in danger my life or that of people near me. Sorry if my english is bad. Thank you for your answers.
I would like to build a solid fuel rocket engine made of sugar and potassium nitrate.
But before building it, I want to be totally sure to make things in a way that there are no dangers.
I've read many things concerning how to prepare this fuel safely; but i have some specific questions:
1) Is there a risk that this fuel detonates or causes a dangerous explosion even if it is not in a closed space?
2)I've seen many videos about rockets of this kind that exploded because the nozzle of the engine was too small. I know that i have to keep a safety distance of tens of metres from the rocket when i ignite the engine, but, in the case that a engine explodes in my hand, what would happen to me?
3) How likely is that this fuel ignites spontaneously when it is at room temperature and relatively far from fires? Can it be ignited by friction when i handle the engine or while i put the fuel in the engine tube?
4)And at last: in the case one of these things was likely to occur, can i make something to minimize the maximum possible damage to a safe level? For example, building only small engines?
and please, when you answer, only tell things that you are sure of (or tell that you aren't sure of what you say).
Maybe i sound paranoic, but i don't want to put in danger my life or that of people near me. Sorry if my english is bad. Thank you for your answers.
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