engine question

The Rocketry Forum

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

46u

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2013
Messages
308
Reaction score
0
Hello,
What is the shelf live of the engines keep in climate control conditions?
Thanks
Jeff
 
I've lunched BP motors that have been 15-20 years old without problems and AP motors near 10 years old.

So if you have had them inside... You shouldn't have many problems.... Though if they are really old, I wouldn't launch them in a rocket you are really attached to!


Jerome
 
BP motors from the 70s still work. A Buddy launch a K500 Vulcan from 1990 or so at URRF this year.

AT White lightining propellant will oxidize on the exposed edges. You may need to brush / sand the oxidation off first.
 
I have about 10 motors that I hate to throw away but I'm really iffy about them because they were stored in a storage building over several years of summer winter temperature extremes. The building is insulted and sheet rocked on the inside but there is no AC or heat to maintain a consistent temperature environment. I've been wondering what to do about them. I've always wanted to build a test stand so I'm thinking I may just fire them in that way rather than risking rockets.
 
I have about 10 motors that I hate to throw away but I'm really iffy about them because they were stored in a storage building over several years of summer winter temperature extremes. The building is insulted and sheet rocked on the inside but there is no AC or heat to maintain a consistent temperature environment. I've been wondering what to do about them. I've always wanted to build a test stand so I'm thinking I may just fire them in that way rather than risking rockets.

I always just duct tape an engine to a block or brick and then set it off for static firing..
Never needed a stand or anything :)
 
Thanks all the engines in question are about 7 years old so I think they will be fine.
Thanks
Jeff
 
Hello,
What is the shelf live of the engines keep in climate control conditions?
Thanks
Jeff

Indefinitely!
I have and fly on a semi-regular basis motors from the late 60's and 70's. With a single C5-3 exception they have all flown perfectly as predicted. it is sometimes necessary to scribe an X in the clay caps to ensure breaking but even that is just a precaution. As Long as you do not heat cycle your BP motors and used them within 70°f of the highest temperature to which they have been exposed you will not have any problem with OLD to Ancient BP motors. One more thing a lot is suggested about High Humidity...but can be all but ignored as long as No Heat Cycling is involved. If your keeping your BP motors in a controlled environment they will last until you take them to the field and fly them.
 
Indefinitely!
I have and fly on a semi-regular basis motors from the late 60's and 70's. With a single C5-3 exception they have all flown perfectly as predicted. it is sometimes necessary to scribe an X in the clay caps to ensure breaking but even that is just a precaution. As Long as you do not heat cycle your BP motors and used them within 70°f of the highest temperature to which they have been exposed you will not have any problem with OLD to Ancient BP motors. One more thing a lot is suggested about High Humidity...but can be all but ignored as long as No Heat Cycling is involved. If your keeping your BP motors in a controlled environment they will last until you take them to the field and fly them.

Thanks I started in to rockets about that time. I have been doing it off on since. I just wish I had that I throw away.
Thanks
Jeff
 
Back
Top