50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius

From the Publisher Gavin D. J. Harper is the author of 50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius, Build Your Own Car PC, and Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius (all from McGraw-Hill), and has had work mentioned in the journal Science. Harper holds a BSc. (Hons) Technology from the Open University, has completed an MSc. Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies, and is currently undertaking further Postgraduate study with the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Loughborough University. Product Description Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.The fun, hands-on way to learn about rocket scienceYes, as a matter of fact, is IS rocket science! And because this book is written for the popular Evil Genius format, it means you can learn about this fascinating and growing hobby while having run creating 50 great projects. You will find a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions.Projects include a camera rocket, video camera rocket, hydrogen-fueled rocket, UFO, and moreProjects start out basic and gradually become more sophisticatedPerfect for science fairs and school projects Review This full-size (8 x 11) paperback book written by Gavin D. S. Harper was a fun read for this longtime rocketeer (since 1966). True to its title, the book is focused on various aspects of model rocketry and continually emphasizes safety. Even with fourteen years in HPR, I found the material interesting and informative.. The projects and information described in the book vary from simple to quite complex. Projects include basic model rocketry, staging, clustering, launch systems, recovery systems, wind tunnels, payloads, and more. The work is well illustrated with both pictures and schematics. In addition to step-by-step instructions, there are good technical tips, and it is all written in an easy-to-follow order.. There are also numerous other features in addition to build projects. A brief discussion of rocketry history starts the book, ranging from the invention of black powder to the U.S. manned moon landing. Real rocket science interspersed in each chapter simply but accurately explains much of the physics of rocketry. The more technical aspects of our hobby are presented toward the end of the book. These features include rocket math, flight computers, and camera rockets.. This book works well with fun parent/child activities. Simple motors can be put together from 35mm film cans with propellant components such as vinegar and Alka-Seltzer tablets. More complex motors using hydrochloric acid with hydrogen peroxide are also detailed. The wind-tunnel segment was very practical, and I wish that Id had this available in my younger years when designing my early models.. Chapter 5 is a particularly valuable section for the beginner. There are descriptions and pictures of the constructiontechniques of all parts of a simple model rocket. It then goes on to cover multistage rockets, boost-gliders, cone rockets, and flying saucers. . Probably the most difficult part of successful rocketry, whether it be of model or mid- or high-power, is the recovery system. Chapter 6 has a very good series of sections on various recovery methods and even includes a descent-rate table. The end of Chapter 6 includes articles on constructing strobes for night launches.. Chapter 7 covers launching of model rockets. Again, some very good parent/child projects are described in word and illustration. Several practical launch controllers and pads are described, including construction of a tower launcher. More advanced items, such as clustering and igniters, are also detailed.. The latter chapters discuss more advanced subjects, such as rocket math, aerial photography (still and movie), Barrowman stability, altitude de