First Time Firing My New Rocket Propellant

[@ryankurte]

turning on the mini lathe out in the desert is an impeccable vibe

[@BPSspace]

Honestly top tier experience, I've turned things on a lathe outside twice now and both times have been magical

[@mduckernz]

Also, pretty much ideal situation for turning graphite :D heh It’s so awful, covers everything, shorts out stuff, ugh

[@NNFaNRacing]

@@BPSspace I worked in a machine shop through college but, my favorite machining experience was with a mini lathe sitting on a cooler in the pits of Michigan International Raceway. Something about the way natural light reflects off of the freshly machined surface...

[@spankyjeffro5320]

No. It's not.

[@jblob5764]

​@@spankyjeffro5320 everyone can have an opinion, yours is just wrong

[@TheEpicDragonCat]

20:35 That was the most Kerbal Launch I’ve ever seen.

[@ricardorola509]

We need moar boosters now 😂

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Life imitates art.

[@dragonace119]

@@ricardorola509 The only time there's never enough booster is when the struts physically cannot support more, otherwise just keep stacking them like is Jenga.

[@Relkond]

When the hazardous article passes over the bunker you occupy at low altitude…time to stop and ask ‘what safety items did we miss?’ Sheesh, hope you gave some crap to whoever suggested that.

[@4thfrom7]

Hey it went up eventually. 😆

[@IRAMightyPirate]

20:25 was worth the price of admission alone. Man, I'd love to see a series of sketchy motors being fired (safely please). That was spectacular.

[@wow-roblox8370]

“Dynamic static fire” is something that can be both awesome, and terrifying depending on how safe you are if it comes flying at you

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

That was so entertaining I had to watch it twice... "Huston we have a problem !" 🙂

[@TheActionBastard]

I just started that suppressed "holy shit" laugh you do when you know you messed up but it's too damn cool to be mad about.

[@BayAreaBerk]

A sized motor, balsa wood fins and an Elmer's Glue cap as a nosecone.

[@MatthijsvanDuin]

After a bit of a rocky start it flew remarkably well, especially for a static fire.

[@Lizlodude]

20:25 The fact that FAR actually told you to do that makes it so much better Apparently if the motor really wants to fly, even pointing the flamy end up won't stop it 😁

[@mojaverockets]

When people tell me they have a motor they believe has a high chance of exploding, I suggest to them that they put it in the ground. We do that with all our 12" KNSB motors kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5ayh5uHgNOHnMk

[@DrewB0119]

Valentine’s Day is for new bepis space videos

[@JonahGreve-bn6jc]

And don't forget, Ash Wednesday too

[@jacks__9229]

Bepisssss

[@creativecarveciteclimb5684]

I love bepis spacis.

[@shreyasjha576]

All hail bepis space

[@TheGlitch93]

I pray to our over Lord BePis Spaice

[@SteelJM1]

The dynamic static fire at 20:33 is going to be the coolest thing I've seen in 2024

[@leomathguy]

That kinda looks like a missile ngl lol

[@AstroCharlie]

I swear I coated all three sides of that mandrel, and I *know* I sanded it smoother than a baby's bottom. Next time I'm gonna dip it in E236 and save us both the trouble!

[@BPSspace]

I will say, I've never seen a smoother 3d print. Your sanding game was next-level sir

[@Horus2Osiris]

Consider something hydrophobic... Pure silicon over hard wax?

[@kenshinbattousai374]

High recommend considering a heated mandrel with sprayed on wax release. This should offer you excellent control over the surface quality, this avoiding(hah) the pitting seen in this video.

[@kazzxtrismus]

avoid silicone like the plague@@Horus2Osiris anything epoxy resin like will develop voids "rejection" zones ("fisheyes") all forms of paints hate silicone....silicone is really incompatible with anything but silicone where liquids gels etc harden polymerize etc interactions with surface tensions are weird, silicone seems to collect with itself in random sized groupings.... if the silicon has ever reached near zero Celsius all bets are off in every characteristic

[@normellow]

@@BPSspace can you use a Teflon plastic mandrel? We use Teflon plastic at work, and nothing sticks to it.

[@vast634]

20:50, good example of why its out in the desert and there are safety stands

[@csours]

Omg that was a very dynamic static fire.

[@PendragonDaGreat]

21:05 the face of "oh no"

[@ultrafly4994]

that look had me rollin😂😂

[@zerumsum1640]

that rouge motor was awesome, if a bit scary. the fact it started by mortaring itself 30 feet in the air and still managed to fly relatively smoothly once it did get airbourne? that's just some beautiful physics.

[@aaronhall7740]

Yes that was pretty epic!!

[@Ben-sh1dl]

I'm guessing it had some inertial spin from rolling on the ground, then it maybe hit a pebble?

[@zerumsum1640]

@@Ben-sh1dl a little of that, but i think the nozzle broke and gave it some spin. looked to me like on the ground it started spinning faster and faster, eventually bouncing somewhat upright and spin stabilizing itself. it was pretty late in the burn, so it probably was on the tail end of the thrust. as it dropped off, it tilted over and zipped overhead. note: this is a guess, based on the video. it mostly looks like it's spinning up on the ground to me because of how it starts bouncing itself higher and rolling in circles.

[@NineSun001]

Should be a new launch category. Mortar assisted launch. Fun to watch, hard to nail, perfect for youtube :D

[@zerumsum1640]

@@NineSun001 ooh, that would be an interesting challenge. Would have to build strong rockets that are still light enough. have a couple of "classes" with different hole sizes and depths. Tricky bit for this would be doing it safely, as tossing a few pounds of dirt into the air at launch would definitely cause some stability issues for the first few feet.

[@xiphosura413]

18:36 the minute I saw that spike on the graph so early on I knew something super spicy was gonna happen :) 20:30 The noises it made were just unreal. Incredible camera work too keeping up with it!

[@Kimballgoss]

That runaway motor made me chuckle. It just kept getting angrier and angrier!

[@treelineresearch3387]

The surface pitting in the core might be from residual propellant dissolved in the release agent offgassing while it cures, so just letting the release flash off longer before casting, using a brush-on release, and/or curing in a pressure pot may improve that.

[@lukasdimmler2622]

I also think a pressure pot is the way to go after pouring. The bubbles get smaller without any large voids at an intermediate stage (like with vacuum degassing), so you can safely let it cure while in the pressure pot.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@lukasdimmler2622 The downside is that you have pressurized air in those bubbles after curing when you take it out of the pressure pot. Usually it diffuses through over time but sometimes can lead to cracking if there's enough of them and everything goes wrong.

[@putteslaintxtbks5166]

I would say that a good set of sieves is needed to help in grain size. Sift though a little bit larger size sieve than with desired size, getting clumps or oversized, then sift through the size wanted to get out powder, broken grain and leave desired size. If the sieves will stack, you can do in one step and it will sort by size. They also help alot while just getting the ingredients ready for mixing in general.

[@stellviahohenheim]

nobody cares

[@andreagallo7550]

Was thinking the same. With ASTM sieves it might be possible to get down to a size delta of 10-30 nm. They stack and can be used with a mechanical shaker

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@stellviahohenheim You cared enough to comment, by your own definition that means you're nobody. Sick burn, my dude.

[@josephastier7421]

Yes, stackable sieves are common equipment used in geology and pyrotechnics, two fields where determining grain size is important, the latter critically so. This way the mesh size could be determined empirically and not just trusted off the label. Because the label will always be wrong.

[@andreagallo7550]

@@josephastier7421 That is only partially correct. Sieves for scientific applications come with a calibration certificate reporting actual mesh size and tolerances for each single unit. Obviously, that is reflected in the price.

[@pithlyx]

That rogue rocket has to be the coolest and most terrifying thing i have seen in a minute

[@OrangeDurito]

Absolutely beautiful! As always I should add. Your perseverance is what sets you apart from everyone. You consistently outdo yourself not just in terms of knowledge and technicality but also your craft. Watching your videos is like watching an ideal engineering journey. Thank you for being a forever inspiration!

[@grumpygreg7505]

Joe, I can't adequately say how much I enjoy your videos. I'm impressed with every one. Not only the technical (and that's lots) & videography, but also the emotion and struggle. Keep at it and I'm thrilled how much you are sharing with us. Blessings

[@travisslusser9808]

Man 20:25 can be a show in its own right. I held my breath the entire time. JHC!

[@anshulkeshri]

You just cheered me up, like I was so feed up and lonely that I can't describe,but you just made me remember my first love space and Rockets. what a perfect timing!

[@knight936]

andrew tate!!! GET IN THE GYM

[@stellviahohenheim]

You should just give up

[@daveabittner]

@@knight936 fuck andrew tate, pursue rockets and space and fall in love with fellow rocket and space enjoyer andrew tate sells loneliness and misogyny

[@kurtdowney1489]

​@@stellviahohenheimAnd your mother should of swallowed. Best part of you ran down the leg of the landlord.😂

[@jettoth3]

Great science requires patience, good record-keeping, and a long attention-span. Very few people can do this. Nice work!

[@jacobjones5716]

"Yep, there goes the nozzle... " - Another one of Joe's amazing one-liners😂🔥

[@integza]

I like your moustache

[@mirzamahboob393]

i like your Portuguese mustaches and also tomatoes

[@GamerLudwig]

next project found i see XD just gotta find a big desert to test it in

[@jesperwall839]

I hate tomatoes

[@suvankumar9929]

Tomatoes are disgusting

[@TestUser-cf4wj]

It is the moustache of an engineer, to be sure.

[@sandro1918]

20:52 that’s a very happy rocket motor 😂

[@AkashSuresh-yb7xw]

😂😅

[@PrograError]

" I'M FREEEEeeeee~~~~~~~ " *mincecraft hurt noises *

[@Dycell]

I’m doing it, dad. Look at meeeeeeeeeee…..

[@charlesoconnor4053]

I love that the mixers are named Bob and Doug

[@Hexalyse]

I have never built or fired a rocket in my life (although I'd love to) but I still thoroughly enjoy watching all of your videos. This one was particularly interesting, seeing how much work, math, precision and money goes into engineering new propellants.

[@Cover1987]

Every time a new high quality video of BPS is released i try to get some quiet minutes (it's really a quality time for me) as fast as possible and enjoy every minute of your content! Thank you so much and keep on going!

[@davidmcky]

I was going to say "Teach me your ways" but then I realized thats what you just did for the last 30 minutes... I just wish I understood it all, love the vids! Thanks for sharing the journey!

[@TestUser-cf4wj]

Math. Lots and lots of math. The good thing is that once you learn what the formulas are, what they do and why they work, it's just a matter of housekeeping. The physical _building_ part is more like karate. You have to be in the right spot at the right time and making the right motions, but it's mostly about muscle memory. Not that I can speak from experience with building rockets. I do UAVs. Much lower chance for catastrophic failure with loss of life.

[@Titan269.]

For the longest time, I've been hoping BPS Space would venture into this remarkable territory. Crossing the Kármán line is a dream many of us share, and your expertise could make it a reality. Here's to eagerly anticipating the realization of this long-awaited ambition! 🌌🚀 😊😊😊😊

[@mattiasfagerlund]

I sometimes cast statues with very slow running plaster, and I find that vibrating the outside of my mold really helps bring bubbles to the surface through liquefaction. I mean, it's surprisingly effective. For vibrations, I use a very cheap battery operated massage machine (looks like a silly gun). Maybe you already do that and I've just missed it. Not sure if it would work here, but every bubble you evacuate is a bubble less to cause issues.

[@mduckernz]

Yep. When I cast propellant, I vibrate it while vacuuming it, using an extremely jank thing I made haha: it’s just a rotary sander with a heavy weight glued very off center on it. When it spins up, it vibrates like crazy. It is clamped down to a table, suspended on some stretchy ropes, on which the vacuum propellant pot sits. So the table is vibration-isolated from the rest of the room, and the vibration device makes the table vibrates very strongly with very little lost to the surroundings :) It looks absurd, but it works great

[@blakedblake6143]

Back in the 90s, i was working in a patternmakers shop and we cast thermoforming mold forms in aluminum epoxy. Vibrating the bubbles out was a very important part of that as it made the forms last longer. No voids. I don't remember the ratio of aluminum powder to epoxy, but I do remember that it barely poured.

[@Lampe2020]

21:00 "Certainly one of the more _dynamic_ static fires I've seen" - that's a way to put it XD

[@AerialWaviator]

This is truly taking a look at the inside of rocket science. Going deep into the pour of a solid motor. I'm really gaining an appreciation of the complexities involved. Thanks for sharing so much of your progress.

[@chucksterock]

I admire your persistence and continued learning. Keep up the good work.

[@enigmabodylanguage]

Been following this channel since you had like 4,000 subscribers. Absolutely love what you've been doing!

[@rafaobrs]

Man, I don't know how you get the energy/time/funds to do this work, but it is absolutely incredible. I'm so impressed with the quality of the video itself that sometimes I forget how insane is this rocket science. Best regards from Brazil!

[@TestUser-cf4wj]

Go to college, get good paying day job, have expensive hobbies.

[@Master_Failure]

20:15 has to be some of the most "exciting" footage I have seen from you. That might get you a few views as a short. Wow! I want to make one of those for the 4th of July.

[@ericlondon5731]

When reloading ammo , the propellant can be measured out using very sensitive scales for every cartridge. Yet when testing the velocity when fired from the same gun, it can vary many feet per second when all things are equal. Sometimes the universe just messes with you.

[@vicroc4]

There's a lot of variables at play that can't quite be accounted for. Even different batches of the same powder will have slightly different burn characteristics. Not to mention slight variations in case volume, seating depth, bullet length and diameter, neck tension, the list goes on and on. So yeah, it's amazing we reloaders can get the kind of precision we do. A couple dozen feet per second is actually really impressive.

[@TestUser-cf4wj]

​@@vicroc4Elimination (more like reduction) of variability is the Arthurian grail-quest of science. It's frustratingly elusive but so satisfying when achieved.

[@DoRC]

I think I watched that one k motor failure like 15 times. I know it was actually a pretty dangerous situation but extremely entertaining from the safety of a tablet screen!

[@Lilpiip123]

I hate how long i have to wait cor these videos but every single time the wait is so worth it!!!

[@markysspotlight2472]

Dude, the mach diamonds show how powerful your motors are, very impressive! 🤯 20:32 had me rolling on the floor laughing 😂😂😂

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Unplanned subspace launch… With the torch of destruction running around like the Roadrunner before it gets off the ground?!! AWESOMESAUCE!!!

[@vicroc4]

Like one of those ground spinner fireworks. And then it decided it didn't like the ground so much. XD

[@jeremysargent5037]

....and that's why it's called rocket science. I jugst love this. It's so interesting hearing you go through your method.

[@picoplanetdev]

Always the best half-hour of my day!

[@pandometer4748]

This is the first of your vids ive seen and i already love it. Thanks for the content!

[@kwstaskoutsos3300]

Just realized that risky Batman is the opposite of reliant robin

[@MichealAnderson-wo9kn]

😂

[@truegret7778]

Kudos to you! Would it be helpful to add a couple of process steps with sifters to sift out the dust or smaller Ammonium Perchlorate particles, then sift out the desired size (~90 µm)? I love watching your journey ....

[@thatstarman42]

You can finally actually call it Barnard Propulsion Systems 😁

[@masonryconstruction5818]

From a California model rocketeer of the 60's, major congrats. Back then it was Estes Industries and tiny rockets with parachute recovery, but super cool for a high school kid! I wish you every success. Please be safe. "Coach Gary" Micheloni

[@cpu_1292]

Dont mind me tuning in to the youtube space program

[@aquahoodjd]

I know how much work it must have taken at your age the skills that you have are absolutely phenomenal... I'm sure you will spend that into something very important for us to come.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

I get a Breaking Bad vibe at the beginning watching you mix chemicals. Is there a slight taper to your mandrel and that blue thing?

[@White.Falcon.]

Seeing the failures and mistakes of these videos seems like a difficult challenge to overcome come, but I’m impressed on how the way you preserver and over come. Your mindset is a very good one and I hope you continue to overcome these challenges the same way you always do!

[@SuperNovaAerospace]

NEW BPS VIDEO 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@leonardmilcin7798]

Dynamic static fire. Good one. I am gonna borrow this.

[@Mountainmikee]

I like discount Elon Musk more than Elon Musk

[@theoneway22]

Bahahaha! Agreed!

[@TheGuyWhoComments]

@@theoneway22 I find it funny that translation removes the B and adds an extra HA

[@MozTS]

Nword class motor

[@jeeBisOkay]

Hey that's awfully rude, nobody deserves to be compared to Musk.

[@charleskavoukjian3441]

Without elon there wouldn’t be a modern space race 😂

[@davidtverberg2606]

Thanks!

[@Ellhulto]

"Static" fire

[@YashPioneers]

The consistent pressure of 800 psi has brought me immense joy. BPS Space, you're truly incredible for sharing this on KZbin. You're the beacon of hope for humanity, inspiring us to achieve great things. I'm eager to contribute to your efforts.

[@TheRocketeer]

This video encapsulates years' worth of information, presented in a well-documented and thoroughly explained manner. Your determination truly shines through!

[@greylond846]

The range safety officer made me static test at the away cell at Midwest Power years ago. The RSO's word is law, but I thought he was making a big deal out of a simple test. Spectacular one way or another. Your engineering regime is spot on, I have no doubts you'll put the Karman line behind you.

[@V_Electronics]

That "static" launch with the broken motor was quite the show! It's good it didn't hit anyone (or the car) Great video as usual!

[@Play-Shorts-]

I know nothing about any of this, but for some reason found this fascinating. I watched the whole video without skipping.

[@pjotrtje0NL]

I will never do rocket building like you do, but watching this is exciting, every. single. time. Thanks for putting so much effort in the vids!

[@bigjay875]

NicE work good sir, I look forward to seeing you're successful launch some day. Good luck 👍

[@up4open]

I'm so happy you're doing this, it's fun to watch you grow in this. That group static fire was amazing, it lasted a LONG time for the size. it's really great you didn't hit anything else. Per the nozzle, the Tech Ingredients put up a video asking "How Are R... Nozzles Made?" and it laid out how you can make your own carbon nozzles. I think he's pretty trustworthy as a starting point.

[@Erivel]

I loved when you basicaly made a rocket during a static fire

[@RayLiehm]

I don't think I'm ever going to get over the name "Risky Batman". Like, I see you what you did there and I love it.

[@tophermaz]

i learned more about rocket science in this one video than i have in 30 years

[@malenkiybog]

the best part of video starts at 20:40. I need more like this!!!!

[@jonnyphenomenon]

Pro to: Use compressed air to encourage the propellant to separate from the plug mold. Just blow air in around the seam.

[@garyl6031]

@27:15 look close at the printed part of mandrill. The layering is probably trapping air. You could mix under partial/full vacuum?

[@RegularGuy-j4l]

Stunning....Great info. Amazing explanation (with lovely simplification). Wonderful storytelling. Terrific video production. And...fun. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you.

[@willevans77]

Man, to think I found you years ago through some channel saying "omg look at this guy, he looks like Elon but his rockets are tiny" and I've seen all of your videos since... Appreciate what you do amigo, keep it up!

[@mattshaffer5935]

Outstanding Sir! I’m amazed at your patience and perseverance. Thank you for sharing this.

[@sweetwater5030]

Hey Joe, long time watcher here, first time commenting. I’d be shocked if someone hasn’t suggested this yet, but why not gently vibrate the moulds after you’ve poured. This should help with any air bubbles. Great work, not only the rockets, motors etc, but the whole production. Top class. Ps, keep the mo. Kindest regards Matt.

[@andyonions7864]

Excellent stuff. Great to see your subs numbers so high. You've come a hell of a long way.

[@GCharlesLangisChip]

When I pour concrete we use a “bulldick” to vibrate the concrete to prevent airspace. We do this during the pour before the concrete gets too hot and firmed up. I understand it’s not a very scientific method but it works. This could be scaled down to assist with the void concerns. Hope it helps. And please let me know if you try it. Great program you run I’m a long time fan of your work.

[@YTRocketMan]

Love the content Joe! Not only is the content interesting, I can tell you take great pains to make it visually appealing. It’s very impressive stuff. If you have ever wondered if people notice, I do. Keep up the great work!

[@alexburns2982]

Really nice to see you smiling and taking your time :), thankyou for sharing your journey

[@wooboo-codes]

I loved how you talked about rheology. I think it may be the hardest part about science because it involves a lot more math than most physics and chemistry

[@Jonodrew1286]

Awesome progress - even when you have standardised model or working foundation - trial and error has a key function in progression to the next stage - tweaking the mix more or less than a % per volume can certainly influence the final product more dramatically than predicted. Keep up the excellent work - will be good to have the finished product in sight 🙏🙏🙏

[@PieroAcme]

Amazing video!! I follow you since years. Every time it is a pleasure watch your creations.Very well done. Absolutely #1 in rocketry videos. P.s. I love your statememt ,"the most dinamic static test .. " 😂.

[@brianclark7142]

I've been slacking on rocket stuff recently, but watching your videos always gets me excited to work on rocket stuff again. Thanks for continuing to make such interesting content. Come say hi if you ever come up to an OROC launch! =)

[@donaldneill4419]

I hope you have a St. Barbara's medallion! Tremendous work, and kudos for the fantastic empiricism.

[@DoRullings]

It's almost like the rocket engine at 20:34 got really pissed off by the characteristics you gave it and wanted to prove itself worthy. Great show.

[@somethingelse2740]

Well done! Really enjoyed watching your process, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this project goes from here.

[@josephastier7421]

Have you considered using a vibrating fixture when pouring propellant? This will get the air bubbles out of the propellant as it is placed, and is far more reliable than "rodding" the mixture by hand which can actually create more voids than it removes. I have never built a rocket motor but I have placed some concrete and it makes a huge difference. It's another process element you can parameterize and control.

[@ryanmcgowan3061]

The data collected is *perfect inputs* for a simple neural network to find a global minima mix optimized for all the things, and predict values. Sifting the AP for tighter control of density would be probably reduce variability error bars significantly. Can you use different mixes for different flight stages? It would require propellent in layered liners of course. Perhaps casting a thin cylinder, than pouring propellant around it in a casing. So many ideas...

[@mallingdave]

So pleased to hear Chloe is sorted and you're now sorting Tony.. PS this country has been asset striped for decades, I don't think I'll be far behind you in getting out this once great country..

[@tomholroyd7519]

16:46 the first step is admitting to yourself you have a problem 18:27 holy batman!! now I want one

[@tullgutten]

Not gonna lie that dynamic static test was cool and exciting 😅👍🏼

[@Xsiondu]

First video of this guy I ever saw he was balancing rockets on yarn finding the center of gravity. Now he's teaching me rocket motor science

[@justinsaunders177]

Truly the best content on the internet. BPS video days are the best.

[@pyroactivatorandsensorydev9817]

wow! so much technical information explained in laymen's terms . thank you very much !

[@zacharybigger4144]

Always good to see a fresh video, man. It's also good to see that I'm not the only one who hits roadblocks on projects!

[@montrosefamily8605]

Joe - I am SUPER enjoying this series!!!! Excited for what you do with it, keep up the great work!

[@Gitmo314]

For burn rate tests I recommend using less propellant (1 lb is fine). To make calculations easier you can settle for a rectangular prism or cylinder grain shape that you've precisely measured and develop a surface regression equation for until their is no surface left (which gives you surface area at every point during the burn). Assume that that Pmax is the start of the burn (max flame spread) and the end of the burn is the bump in the graph when the propellant splinters apart (hopefully near the end if your binder/curing was good). It's better to test in triplicate or more and using so much propellant for one shot is less good than multiple shots with less propellant. Also nozzle diameter is key for burn rate, make sure you get a before and after diameter measurement and that you use steel or graphite nozzles. Good luck and stay safe out there! Edit: I finished the video and you pretty much did just that lol.

[@theoneway22]

Ha! You said "flatter thrust curve"! I love you dude!

[@nugget0428]

I used to work in a precast concrete plant. There seem to be quite a few similarities between pouring concrete and rocket propellant. They spin cast pipes too!

[@ThermalWave]

That 'static fire' did honour to the name 'RISKY Batman' 💥