Science Buskers Water Rocket Car
As i will be participating in the Science Buskers busking round from 10 to 12 September 2010, I have thought for quite a while before deciding to build my own water rocket car from Lego to demonstrate the power of water rocket.
science buskers water rocket car side
It took me about 2 hours to build a full model of a dragster like Lego car and then a number of days to modify it to become the water rocket dragster car.
science buskers water rocket car rear
I did some initial testing pump in 80psi of air into the 500ml bottle, and the car ran really fast. I then add some water and pressurized to 40psi, it had a really fast acceleration. But when i tried 60psi with the same amount of water, the car flipped instantly when it was released.
science buskers water rocket car top
I guess i need to modify the car further to make it more stable so that it can take more water and pressure. As suggested by some experts, I adjust the length of the wheel axle to be broader for the front and rear wheel and added a pair of fins to provide the downforce; finally, managed to get the water rocket Lego car speed off at 60psi …..
Been playing with water rocket since 2008. i will share the tips and tricks of making a water rocket using normal cola bottles pressurized with water and air.
If its flipping over widen the front and rear axle a little, you will know when you have it wide enough as the car will spin rather than flip over. At that stage add a a rear wing to provide downforce over the rear wheels, this will stop the spinning.
Take a look at our website, there is lots of information about water rocket cars and the things we have tried to get a stable water rocket car.
http://wrocket.hampson.net.au
Good luck at the competition
-todd-
Nice job with the updates, looks like its working well. Can you upload a picture with the new rear wing, it looks very interesting
-todd-