Report

Dordrecht, 10 September, 2006 - After the disappointing results of the last test, CMT0602, we tried to prove the theory that the new Kalinitrox could be a mesa or plateau burner. The motor test was originally planned for NLD24, which was unfortunately cancelled. So a new date was found, to do just the motor test.

That Sunday 10 September, loading the test equipment went easy, thanks to a borrowed van. Setting up the test site and preparing the motor was also soon done. The test started good, but after only 0.6 seconds their was an explosion. Through the smoke we could see flames at several places on the lawn. After all material was burned and after some safety time, we walked over to the test tower to have a look. The nozzle was missing and the lower end of the aluminium motor casing was ruptured. Around the tower we found several burned grains, with scorching on either side. The steel pipe, which normally diverts the smoke flow, was oval and had several holes. The steel arm from which the motor hangs was dent. The whole tower had also made a jump, as it wasn't in it's feet anymore. We searched in line for the missing nozzle, but we couldn't find it anymore.

We now suspect that the new Kalinitrox is unstable due to the higher percentage of potassium perchlorate compared to the original Kalinitrox. This became very clear this test and it also explains the last two years worth of strange test results and failed tests. The test program will now focus on developing a motor with the original Kalinitrox and Bates grains. After that we are going to carefully increase, with small steps, the percentage of potassium perchlorate.