Measuring the Thrust of a Balloon Powered Car
This activity from BLOODHOUND SSC illustrates the forces acting on BLOODHOUND SSC by calculating the thrust of a balloon powered car. The resource explores thrust as a concept, tying in with Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students: • Build a balloon car • Conduct speed-time experiments using the balloon car •…
Bloodhound SSC Mathematical Model
From BLOODHOUND SSC, this resource demonstrates how to progress from a simple mathematical model to a more complex and more useful model to predict how fast the rocket car will go. The resource applies Newton's three laws of motion to BLOODHOUND and uses physics and mathematics to explain what is needed to make it go faster.
Systems and Controls
A series of lesson ideas from BLOODHOUND SSC in which students build a control system to help the driver of BLOODHOUND SSC to operate the rocket motor and pump. BLOODHOUND uses a 46cm (18 inch) diameter rocket to accelerate from jet power speed to maximum speed in a few seconds. The engine must be at the optimum operating temperature…
Build a Rocket Car
In this activity, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students build a model rocket car and explore the effect of drag on its performance. Maths, science and technology departments could all be involved. The design and build could be followed by timing and analysis experiments. Model rocket motors are the ideal way to propel model cars across…
Investigating Motion
In this resource, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students answer sets of questions about acceleration, velocity and motion in relation to BLOODHOUND SSC. They also investigate 'g force' and how free falling or lack of gravity affects acceleration. The students then go on to investigate the physiological effects of motion, what happens…
Speed of Sound
In this experiment, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students discover how easy it is to measure the speed of sound and increase their knowledge of acoustics, using microphones and free audio software (Audacity). The experiment takes into account differing temperatures, pressures and humidities. This resource includes a short history of…
Frames, Forces and Structures
A series of cross-curriculum lessons, from BLOODHOUND SSC, on building frames and structures and the effects forces may have on them. BLOODHOUND SSC must be as light as possible if the thrust is to propel it to record speeds in the short time available. It must also be very strong to withstand the forces involved. The resource…
BLOODHOUND SSC Desert Search
Two BLOODHOUND SSC activities for investigating the suitability of possible sites for a land speed record attempt. Since the Black Rock Desert in Nevada hs deteriorated in recent years, another site is being sought. The exercises use Google Earth and lead students to explore desert sites which have been considered for running BLOODHOUND…
Static Testing of a Model Rocket
This investigation, from BLOODHOUND SSC, uses a datalogger and force sensor to measure the thrust of a model rocket engine. The results can be analysed to predict the acceleration and speed of a model vehicle. The resource includes detailed instructions on how to conduct the experiment, including health and safety equipment and considerations.