A scale working model of the Project Orion wotsit.

The device is packed with little bits of C4, larded with phosphorous and covered in oil.

When a C4 pellet is ejected, the oil gets blown off by the air, exposing the phosphorous, which sets off the C4, thereby pushing on the drive plate.

Fun for all the family, should they survive.
-- not_morrison_rm, Oct 20 2018

Project Orion video - not a smooth ride imho https://www.youtube...watch?v=Q8Sv5y6iHUM
[not_morrison_rm, Oct 20 2018]

Minié ball https://en.wikipedi...iki/Mini%C3%A9_ball
A great step forward [8th of 7, Oct 20 2018]

Much as I love the idea, the execution of same will simply set fire to your backyard.
-- FlyingToaster, Oct 20 2018


Probably, that's why were are doing in 8th's back garden first,just in case.
-- not_morrison_rm, Oct 20 2018


No problem.

However ...

// exposing the phosphorous, which sets off the C4 //

Phosphorus won't initiate C4, or any RDX-based conformable; you need a 1.1A primary. However, there are plenty of sufficiently sensetive polynitrated aryls to try.

Also, phosphorus + oil = Very Bad; water is the thing. Oil is for alkali metals.

The actual ejection/initiation mechanism and process will need careful thought. Prior experience with galvanized steel dustbins indicates that using ammonium perchlorate as the propellant (place composition on ground, lid over composition, open end of bin over lid - like the base plug in a Minié ball) surprising altitudes can be achieved.
-- 8th of 7, Oct 20 2018



random, halfbakery