Title:
Filled, Pressurized and Exploded – Risk Assessment of Water Rockets
Befüllt, bedrückt und explodiert – Gefährdungsbetrachtung von Wasserraketen
Authors:
N.M. Riedel, J. Richter, S. Fischer von Mollard, F. Wallner, F. Fischer
Abstract:
In the future "Space Launch" experiment, the recoil principle and the functioning of rockets will be explained to schoolchildren at the DLR_School_Lab in Braunschweig. A thrust test rig for water rockets was developed for this purpose, based on a PET bottle serving as the pressure vessel for the water and air propellants. Before the test rig was put into regular operation at the DLR_School_Lab, functional and qualification tests were conducted on the "Quadruple Block" rocket engine test rig at DLR Trauen to demonstrate its safety. This allowed the PET bottle to be tested in a professional environment, based on typical qualification procedures for pressure vessels in space applications. The design of the thrust test rig was also modified and optimized based on the knowledge gained to ensure safe conduct of the tests even in the event of a PET bottle failure. This will enable future use of the thrust test rig at the DLR_School_Lab Braunschweig, fostering the enthusiasm of young people for STEM subjects.
Event:
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2025, Augsburg
Location, Year:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2025
Format:
21,0 x 29,7 cm, 7 Pages
Descriptors:
EN: Pressure vessels, experimental tests
Citation:
Riedel, N.M.; Richter, J.; et al. (2025): Befüllt, bedrückt und explodiert – Gefährdungsbetrachtung von Wasserraketen. DGLR Published Conference Papers. Volume 4. (2026). ISSN: 2941-3451. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/650210. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2510241250512.197982949795.
Publishing Date:
24.10.2025