Experimental books...

[pr_rocket04]

I was just getting ready to buy McCreary's book on experimental motors when I stumbled across this: https://www.space-rockets.com/newbook.html

After looking at the contents and considering everything comes on cd as well, this seems like it might be the way to go, except I haven't heard anything about this. Can anyone give me some good advice before I purchase? Thanks.

 

[Todd Knight]

Buy McCreary's book. It is the standard for learning how to make AP based EX motors. It also includes a CD with software. I still reference my copy often and always have it handy when I get ready to mix.

The Wickman book and goodies deals with AN motors. AN is cheaper to make but performance is not as good as AP. Although, it is a interesting read.

 

[pr_rocket04]

I didn't even realize the other book only deals with AN. Looks like McCreary's book it is.

Thanks.

 

[pr_rocket04]

Actually on second thought, can anyone tell me where to find McCreary's book with the CD at a good price? Some places list it as including a floppy disk and not a cd, and I only have a cd drive so I need that version. Thanks.

 

[aksarben10]

I know that Loki and Aerocon carry the book. Not sure about the media type but I am sure that either would work with you if you ask.

Oh, and I have both of the books and they are both good reads, but yes the CP book only deals with AN while Terry only deals with AP. So it really depends which you are more interested in.

I bought mine from Loki and it came with the CD.

Scott

 

[r1dermon]

actually, it says on the page that all the techniques described can also be used with AP. i like their bookset, comes with a DVD too. i think i might pick that up....

 

[bjmcder]

Wickman's book is very good, and it focuses mainly on the engineering and design aspect of experimental rocketry. McCreary's book concentrates on the chemistry. It was the book that got me started in EX.

All of the techniques described in Wickman's book can be applied to all propellants; APCP, ANCP or otherwise. He merely uses ANCP as an example. The mark of a good experimentalist is one who can take the ideas and concepts given and apply them to all rocket propellants, rather than use it as just a cookbook. The software is also very useful, as you can forumate and simulate motor designs before you actually go out and test them. The simualtions are pretty accurate, from my experience.

 

[aksarben10]

Originally posted by r1dermon
actually, it says on the page that all the techniques described can also be used with AP. i like their bookset, comes with a DVD too. i think i might pick that up....

My book is about 4-6 years old, before DVDs, it came with a VHS tape back then. It was focused on AN in PVC pipe back then. I have used the PVC construction techniques with sugar motors.

Scott

 

[edwardw]

I have Wickhams book as well as Bill Colburns hybrid manual. Before I got Colburns book I used Wickhams for my hybrid design. The same equations follow over into solids. You just have to like a little math


Edward