Mar 2009

PARS has now begun the build phase of Project Chimera, code name for hybrid.

Chimera is an attempt, by PARS, to design, build, test and fly, a hybrid rocket rocket motor. It could take years. The first step is done - some serious learning and research - now we are measuring up parts, sourcing materials and starting the first construction steps.

The most common hybrid configuration is a rocket engine composed of an inert solid oxidising propellant (for example a plastic) lining a combustion chamber into which an inert gaseous propellant (for example nitros oxide N2O) is injected so as to undergo a strong exothermic reaction to produce hot gas that is emitted through a De Laval nozzle for propulsive purposes. Designing and building such a rocket is non trivial. We will be emulating the design of commercial motors.

The workshop facilities at local schools attended by PARS members will be enlisted in the effort should we get to Build Phase. A skilled machinist is a prerequisite. And while hybrid motors are considered "safer" than solid motors, there are still many important safety considerations to take into account.

Enquiries to pars@fairdene.demon.co.uk

Chimera research quick links:

Discussion Blog
Chimera Notebook
Design Log Spreadsheet
Documents
Research Links

Why Chimera?

The word "hybrid" implies two or more parts. A hybrid rocket propulsion system comprises propellants of two different states of matter. So we chose the word "Chimera" because of its dictionary definition:

[1] A fire-breathing she-monster in Greek mythology having a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail

[2] An imaginary monster compounded of incongruous parts

[3] An illusion or fabrication of the mind; especially : an unrealizable dream

And Chimera may well be an unrealizable dream. Yet we hope not to fail.