Rocketry Planet

The other day, I forwarded Darrell some information about Pr'fessor Terry McCreary's recently self-published book "Experimental Composite Propellant." To be honest, I thought I had talked about the book enough in the forums, etc., but that it might be of value posting the information about procurement and a description where everyone could see it for awhile.

Picture of the book cover. I've already got tabs placed on the pages I've flipped to more than once. I've only had it a little less than a week now....

Well, I guess Darrell wasn't satisfied with that, so he asked me to do a critical review of the book as a service to fellow "Research" rocketeers selecting a good "Introduction to" experimental rocketry book. As always... I've never been shy or short of words, so I'm happy to oblige as follows.

To be quite honest, there is not a huge amount of information in "Experimental Composite Propellant" which is not available in other publications.

You'll note the author frequently references research material, as any well studied academic should (why re-invent the wheel?).

So, what makes this book special? It compiles information from more than a dozen resources, digests it, and presents the text in a way no other popular publication has; specifically for the amateur rocket scientist.

Some basic concepts of composite propellant and grain architecture are discussed.

The 243 page book (initial printing) covers both beginner and advanced topics, providing step-by-step selection of materials for Ammonium Perchlorate composite propellant, motor casing preparation, mixing, casting, testing, and evaluation of the finished product.

Additionally, contained are discussions of more advance topics intended to de-mystify the combustion process of a rocket motor, thoroughly explain the properties of applicable chemicals, explain the function of application-specific additives, how variables affect the polymerization process, to name a few of the highlights.

Content also include a thorough list of web-based and hard-copy references and material suppliers, as well as appendices covering everything from selection of additives to a "Sermonette" explaining why making your own rocket motors WILL NOT likely save you money in the long run.

Pictures from a "How to" detailing the mixing and casting of a batch of AP/PBAN composite propellant.

Delivered with "Experimental Composite Propellant" is a 3.5" floppy disk with several useful utilities. PropEL is a series of spreadsheets in an Excel or Quattro Pro notebook.

Spreadsheets included are used to accurately model Bates grain motors, calculate 'a' and 'n' (given supplied variables), 'Kn', volume of a coring rod, volume of a given motor design, and more. PropEL, to say it simply, is "designed to make propellant and motor calculations easier," to quote the introduction of software from the book (with the Pr'fessor's permission....).

PropEP is also included, a freeware program used to evaluate useful raw propellant parameter.

Instructions for use and explanation of output are well documented for all provided software. These are very powerful tools to the serious research rocketeer.

In short, this book is written to help the entry-level rocket scientist successfully get off the ground, and for the Journeyman to advance his knowledge of this fairly narrow topic. Of course, the guidance of an experienced research rocketeer is still highly recommended for anyone interested in working with the materials and formulas contained therein.

The 106 page appendix is nearly half of the book! Good Grief Pr'fessor, where did you find all of this great information?(!)

Cheers: Written like a friend standing over your shoulder, helping you understand the significant dangers and the way to avoid them. The pace and content of the book allows for quick success.

Sneers: In my very subjective opinion (that should read EXTREMELY subjective opinion), I would like to see more HTPB bound composite step-by-step content. There is a significant amount of detail in the chapter-text about HTPB, the additives, and how to select a proper amount of curative for a given composition, but I would prefer to see one chapter dedicated to PBAN composites, and one to HTPB composites.

The reasons the Pr'fessor prefers the PBAN route are well documented in the book, so once again, it is not an issue, just a subjective opinion. My first successful experiences were with HTPB binder, so it may just be an old romance I can't quite get out of my heart.

Editor's Note:

Recently, Sue McMurray of TMT was so pleased with the contents of this book that she recommended it be adopted as the introductory manual for the Tripoli Experimental program. Her email stated:

A section detailing proper curing catalyst ratios for the common binder types.

"I have just finished a quick read through Professor Terry McCreary's new book, 'Experimental Composite Propellant'. Terry's book is a landmark in the field of experimental solid propellant motors, and I've read them all (and had to do the problems at the end of each chapter in Sutton).

'Experimental Composite Propellant' is safe, sane, complete and comprehensive. I highly recommend it for ALL hobby rocketeers. You need to know how your motors actually work to utilize the technology more efficiently and Terry makes it easy to understand. No scary integrals or differential equations, just high school math. And, the chapters and sections on safety were obviously written after years of teaching Frosh Chem 101 labs.

I would like to recommend to the TRA BOD that this book be adopted as the introductory manual for Tripoli Experimental. TMT is keeping our copy right here, first book on the shelf. Sutton, move over."

Sincerely,
Sue McMurray
TMT Chair

What you've all been waiting for. Instructions from The Pr'fessor to obtain a copy:

DISCLAIMER

Details of constructing and operating PC-based static test stand.

To obtain the special introductory price on ECP, print, fill out, and sign this form, and include:

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