Hi everyone,
Recently, I have become interested in model rockets. (One of the national organizations involved in this field is the National Association of Rocketry.)
Typically, for low-power model rockets, a solid propellant engine is used to power flight. One of the major producers of such engines is the Estes Corporation, and other companies exist as well. A small device called a starter provides an electrical current to an igniter which is inserted into the engine, and this current ignites the propellant causing the rocket to lift off. (I think that I am describing the process more or less accurately, but I may well be wrong in details.) A quick search on model rocket engines would lead to vast amounts of information on the topic. If you would like to go to one Estes site on the subject, you may click on https://www.estesrockets.com/rockets/engines.
Usually, one engine powers the model rocket. However, some model rockets are configured to hold several engines, and such a configuration is called a cluster. A cluster could contain any number of engines, but the usual number is three or four engines.
Now, here is my question please: Having researched the issue, I find out that the cluster of engines can be hooked up either in series or in parallel. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? Should I connect the engines in my engine cluster in series or in parallel?
Thank you.
Stanley
Recently, I have become interested in model rockets. (One of the national organizations involved in this field is the National Association of Rocketry.)
Typically, for low-power model rockets, a solid propellant engine is used to power flight. One of the major producers of such engines is the Estes Corporation, and other companies exist as well. A small device called a starter provides an electrical current to an igniter which is inserted into the engine, and this current ignites the propellant causing the rocket to lift off. (I think that I am describing the process more or less accurately, but I may well be wrong in details.) A quick search on model rocket engines would lead to vast amounts of information on the topic. If you would like to go to one Estes site on the subject, you may click on https://www.estesrockets.com/rockets/engines.
Usually, one engine powers the model rocket. However, some model rockets are configured to hold several engines, and such a configuration is called a cluster. A cluster could contain any number of engines, but the usual number is three or four engines.
Now, here is my question please: Having researched the issue, I find out that the cluster of engines can be hooked up either in series or in parallel. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? Should I connect the engines in my engine cluster in series or in parallel?
Thank you.
Stanley