Overview
We have a variety of different test stands to facilitate different sizes of solid rocket motors. They will be described on this page.
Data Acquisition
Through all of our test stands, the data acquisition (DAQ) is the same. For the actual DAQ, we use a DataQ DI-1100, which works very well for our needs. For the pressure transducer, we use cheap 2500 psi transducers from eBay. They are accurate for their price, and we aren't afraid to lose them in the event of a motor failure. For the load cells, we use both 200kg and 1000kg button-type cells from RobotShop. For bigger motors, we have a 3000 kg bar-type load cell from Alibaba. Finally, the load cell amplifier is a INA125-based module, purchased here. Wiring it all is fairly simple, and is powered by two 9.7V NiMH batteries in series.
Recently, we have been using Andrew Reilley's new fully automated RMTS DAQ. It is radio-controlled and does all data processing by itself. It will be released to the public in the coming months.
Through all of our test stands, the data acquisition (DAQ) is the same. For the actual DAQ, we use a DataQ DI-1100, which works very well for our needs. For the pressure transducer, we use cheap 2500 psi transducers from eBay. They are accurate for their price, and we aren't afraid to lose them in the event of a motor failure. For the load cells, we use both 200kg and 1000kg button-type cells from RobotShop. For bigger motors, we have a 3000 kg bar-type load cell from Alibaba. Finally, the load cell amplifier is a INA125-based module, purchased here. Wiring it all is fairly simple, and is powered by two 9.7V NiMH batteries in series.
Recently, we have been using Andrew Reilley's new fully automated RMTS DAQ. It is radio-controlled and does all data processing by itself. It will be released to the public in the coming months.
Aerocon-Style Test Stand
For our test stand that facilitates H through small N motors, we use a Unistrut-based test stand, using a design very similar to that on Aerocon's website. A picture is posted below that shows a Loki 76/6000 motor ready to go. The motor slides back and forth on rail buttons, which allows for thrust to be read by the load cell. When firing using this stand, it is placed in a vertical position.
For our test stand that facilitates H through small N motors, we use a Unistrut-based test stand, using a design very similar to that on Aerocon's website. A picture is posted below that shows a Loki 76/6000 motor ready to go. The motor slides back and forth on rail buttons, which allows for thrust to be read by the load cell. When firing using this stand, it is placed in a vertical position.
Vertical Test Stand
For larger motors, we need a larger test stand. We already have used a vertical test stand in the past, but it has been out of commission for some time. Therefore, we needed to weld together a new version. The stand was constructed out of entirely 1.5" width by 0.125" wall square hot roll steel tubing. It is around 4 feet tall without the extension, and 6 feet tall with the extension. It is welded onto a flat square base plate 2 feet in width. This base plate is bolted to a steel bar foundation.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
For larger motors, we need a larger test stand. We already have used a vertical test stand in the past, but it has been out of commission for some time. Therefore, we needed to weld together a new version. The stand was constructed out of entirely 1.5" width by 0.125" wall square hot roll steel tubing. It is around 4 feet tall without the extension, and 6 feet tall with the extension. It is welded onto a flat square base plate 2 feet in width. This base plate is bolted to a steel bar foundation.
Click on pictures to enlarge.