Rocketry Planet

MELBOURNE, Florida USA — The Florida Institute of Technology Mechanical and Engineering Department in conjunction with Space Florida are looking for volunteers to give their Florida Tech/Space Florida Thrust Laboratory "6 Degree of Freedom" solid rocket motor test stand a spin.

The unique testing structure can handle motors up to 12" in diameter and features not only inline load cells to capture the thrust of the motor being testing, but also sports three radial load cells at the aft of the motor to measure torque and lateral motion as well. As they enter the final stages of completing their new horizontal test stand, the group needs to perform a series of shakedown tests.

The school's test stand is capable of measuring any thrust level up to 10,000 lbf in the primary direction for solid rocket motors of any length, up to 12 inches in diameter, and measuring 6 degrees of freedom, including torque.

Unique features:

• Capable of measuring any thrust level up to 10,000 lbf in primary direction
• Capable of measuring solid rocket motors of any length
• Capable of measuring solid rocket motors up to 12 inches in diameter
• Measurement of 6 degrees of freedom, including torque, using high-frequency, state-of-the-art piezoelectric force transducers

According to university director H. Greg Peebles III, the school will offer to test the first 100 solid rocket motors that individuals wish to have tested during the first quarter of 2008 and part of the second quarter. 

"We will welcome anyone with commercial or amateur motors," Peebles said in an online announcement today. "AP, AN, Sugar, well - as long as it doesn't usually cato." Due to safety requirements at the school, they will not be able to test any motors larger than 75mm in diameter. The stand can test motors as small as 29mm in diameter, but they are willing to try smaller motors.

When asked about testing hybrid motors, Peebbles stated, "The instrumentation and mounts have no problem with hybrids. This initial, temporary, structural framework is horizontal and not hybrid friendly."

To get a better look at the test stand, visit http://my.fit.edu/~dkirk/Thrust%20Stand/index.html.

Those interested in having the school test their motors should contact:

H. Greg Peebles III, PE
Florida Institute of Technology
150 W. University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL   32901
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(321)-674-7715 (office)
(321)-674-7586 (fax)