HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: mvp@netcom.com (Mike Van Pelt)
Subject: Re: rocket fuel question
Date: Tue, 01 Sep 92 05:01:17 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Keywords: death, dismemberment, natural selection

In article <1992Aug29.211429.11722@pellns.alleg.edu> dblackbu@carr11.alleg.edu (David Blackburn) writes:
>Does anyone moderate this board to keep people from killing themselves?

Nope.

Think of it as evolution in action.

Seriously, though, the most that can probably be done is to point out the
worst of the boners - Like the genius a few months back who recommended
milling a mixture of powdered aluminum, potassium chlorate, and sulfur
in a rock tumbler for a week.

The trick is to point it out in such a way that the would-be cloud of
pink mist will read, think, and hopefully reconsider.  Or, at least,
be more careful.

Caveat detonator.
-- 
Mike Van Pelt          | What happens if a big asteroid hits Earth?
mvp@netcom.com         | Judging from realistic simulations involving a
                       | sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we
                       | can assume it will be pretty bad. -- Dave Barry
From: che238n@vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
Subject: Re: Making Aluminium powder
Date: 31 Aug 92 13:33:41 +1000
Organization: Computer Centre, Monash University, Australia

In article <13150023@hpfcbig.SDE.HP.COM>, bame@hpfcbig.SDE.HP.COM (Paul Bame) writes:
> In rec.pyrotechnics, fernee@newton.physics.uq.oz.au (Mark Fernee) writes:
> 
>> I have met a person who claims that an Aluminium clamp was
>> reduced to powder when left in an ultra-sonic bath for 
>> 24 hrs. 
> 
>> Has anyone else used this technique to make Al powder?
>> If so, how succesful is it?
> 
> Out of curiosity, I dropped some Al foil into a relatively low-power
> ultrasound cleaning machine.  First it got lots of very tiny "wrinkles"
> and then lots of very tiny holes.  Sure enough it produced powder from
> the foil - though it didn't do a uniform job across the whole piece
> of foil leaving some places relatively undamaged.  So I guess I could believe
> that a high-power machine might powder larger pieces of Al eventually...
> 
> 	-P

Aluminium powder can be made by electrolysis.

Get a strip of thick aluminium foil and connect to the positive terminal of a
12V power pack (aligator clip). Connect some clean copper foil to the negative
terminal in the same way. Place the two electrodes into a beaker of 2M nitric
acid such that they do not touch and the aligator clips are above the surface. 
Switch on. After a while the aluminium electrode should start to dissolve and
the copper electrode should start to discolour. When the aluminium electrode
has completely dissolved there should be a coating of aluminium powder on the
copper electrode. Scrape it off and dry in a dessicator or oven. Take care as
the solution will become quite hot. Also beware of the evolution of hydrogen
and oxygen gas, keep away from flames. There is no need to immediately remove
the copper electrode, just replace the aluminium electrode the keep going.
Beware of using the "hard" aluminium foil as some contain magnesium which will
contaminate the Al powder.

I have used this method to prepare copper, aluminium, zinc and lead powder.

David B.
From: dshelton@galaxy.gov.bc.ca
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
Subject: Re: ROCKETS AND FUEL QUESTION
Date: 28 Aug 92 11:07:14 -0700
Distribution: world
Organization: BC Systems Corporation

In article <15.79.uupcb@betabbs.newton.ma.us>, steve.woodward@betabbs.newton.ma.us (Steve Woodward)  writes:
> -> Also, has anybody made cast composite fuel rockets with polyester
> -> resins (ie fibreglass resin). We have some KClO4 but would prefer to
> -> use NH4NO3 if it can be sensitised. If someone knows of an
> 
>         If you're asking for a way to get NH4NO3, I belive you can find
> it in those instant cold packs (the ones where you break the water
> bubble). Hope that helps...
>              
If you don't require absolute purity in the NH4NO3 it can usually be obtained
from an agriculture supply house or large gardening store - it's used as 
fertilizer and 50 pound bags go for $10 or so. The NH4NO3 I've got in this 
way is in the form of prills - small balls - and is usable as an oxidant. I've
also obtained 50 pound bags of KNO3 the same way. Read the fine print on the
bags of fertilizer to see what's in it. The store I was in also had sulfur 
and KMn04 both of which are used as antifungal agents.
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
From: mvp@netcom.com (Mike Van Pelt)
Subject: Re: rocket fuel question
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 92 07:50:24 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)

In article <1992Sep1.092319.5228@mr.med.ge.com> bednarek@picard.med.ge.com (Dennis Bednarek Mfg 4-6971) writes:
>Another point is that many of the special ingredients are not readily
>available at your local hardware store, which slows down the really
>stupid individuals.

Some of 'em are, though.  I was at Orchard Supply the other day,
and walked right past a shelf full of bottles of 27% H2O2.
-- 
Mike Van Pelt          | What happens if a big asteroid hits Earth?
mvp@netcom.com         | Judging from realistic simulations involving a
                       | sledge hammer and a common laboratory frog, we
                       | can assume it will be pretty bad. -- Dave Barry
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
From: schediwy@hplabsz.hpl.hp.com (Bic Schediwy)
Subject: Re: Recipe for nitrate-based flashpowder!
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 23:14:16 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories Palo Alto,CA
Keywords: flashpowder, nitrate, safe

In article <1992Aug31.190831.13599@ruc.dk> pjac@ruc.dk (Peter Jacobsen) writes:
>One of the frequently asked questions in this newsgroup is "How do I make
>flashpowder" ("big booms" and the like).  The recipes for flashpowder vary,



There has been talk of using potassium nitrate as an oxidizer for
slow flash mix. The particular mix given was:

        8 wt.parts Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
        3 wt.parts Sulphur (S)
        4 wt.parts Aluminum dust (Al)

I have not used this mix but I can well believe that it is tamer than
flash mixtures using perchlorates or worse yet chlorates. Although
the above mix may burn slower than other flash mixtures, it should be
pointed out that a hazard exists with aluminum and potassium nitrate.
I will quote from Shimizu:

"Aluminum reacts with nitrates in the presense of water to produce
H2, NH3, and NOx gas, except with ammonium nitrate. The reaction
proceeds slowly at ordinary temperatures, but when the temperature
rises to about 80 C it becomes tremendously violent. In this case
a large amount of heat is generated and it accelerates the reaction
even more, and sometimes causes spontaneous ignition. A mixture of
50:50 flake aluminum and potassium nitrate, to which an additional
35% water is added, seems the most reactive. When a weak acid like
boric acid is added to the mixture to keep its pH value at 4.7-5.1,
the reaction is suppressed."

A later table in Shimizu shows that the time to reaction of 40%Al,
50%KNO3, 10%Rice_Starch goes to infinity with the addition of 1.0%
boric acid. Given this information it would be advised that anyone
mixing the above mixture add 1% boric acid.

The poster of the original article suggests a procedure for manufacture
which includes the following:

>When making flashpowder, I use to ballmill the KNO3 and the S together,
>and AFTERWARDS mix in the right amount of Al-dust on a sheet of paper.
>(Always be carefull when using a ballmill to mix flammeable compositions).

A warning is given as to ballmilling flameable mixtures but this should
probably be upgraded to the hazards of ballmilling _explosive_ mixtures.
Although ballmilling KNO3 and S together is probably no more hazardous
than ballmilling black powder (which is often done for homemade black
powder), it should be emphasized that an explosion risk does exist.
Therefore it is best done at a distance where an accidental explosion
will cause no harm and the ballmill should be powered by a remote on/off
switch.

cheers...bic




Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
From: billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com (bill nelson)
Subject: Re: Ball milling
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company, Corvallis, Oregon USA
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 15:53:40 GMT

schediwy@hplabsz.hpl.hp.com (Bic Schediwy) writes:
: 
: There are very few pyrotechnic mixtures which are considered kosher to mill
: as a mixture. Dampened black powder is about the only one (note that KNO3
: and S is almost black powder). NEVER mill _mixtures_ containing chlorates
: or perchlorates. Doing so WILL eventally result in an explosion. Don't
: press your luck. You can however mill a chlorate or perchlorate by
: itself if your mill is spotlessly free of any contaminating fuels. It
: is generally accepted that the above should never be milled in a mill
: that has seen sulfur - even if it has been cleaned.

Better yet - have a drum that is ONLY used for chlorates. Never mill anything
else in it.  It would be a good idea to do the same for perchlorates. This
does require that you have at least 3 drums. However, they are less than $20
each - cheap insurance against an accidental explosion or fire.

Bill
From: billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com (bill nelson)
Newsgroups: rec.pyrotechnics
Subject: Re: rocket fuel question
Date: 31 Aug 92 15:58:36 GMT
Article-I.D.: hpcvaac.1992Aug31.155836.14166
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company, Corvallis, Oregon USA

Jeremiah.Blatz@dartmouth.edu (Jeremiah Blatz) writes:
: In article <BtpC2M.AxJ@rice.edu>
: stevens@horta.rice.edu (Richard Stevens) writes:
: 
: > If one wnats do design a small black powder model rocket engine, similar
: > to the Estes type design, what could one use to slow down the burn
: > rate and make the fuel less dangerous? How does one get the powder
: > into a solid form?

You can slow the reaction by adding more charcoal to the mix - assuming
your formula is not fuel starved in the first place.

: Well, I was phucking around the other night and it seems that sugar is
: a really good inhibitor (if you don't mind the smoke). Also, you can
: melt gunpowder *IN AN ELECTRIC HEATER, NOT OVER A BURNER* and pour it
: into your rocket casing.

Melt black powder? I doubt if it would do that before igniting. Are you
sure you are not thinking about KCLO3/sugar? That is often mixed and melted
for pouring into a casing. It also ignites accidentally from the heat, on
occasion. Use care and do it outdoors away from flammable objects.

Bill

: 
: Jeremiah
From: SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.fidonet.org (SKYDIVE)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: how often does this happen?
Date: 1 Sep 92 11:45:50 GMT

Reply-to: Paul.Stansberry@p0.f22.n233.z1.fidonet.org (Paul Stansberry)
Fido-To: romulus!lhdsy1.lahabra.chevr

Monday August 31 1992, romulus!lhdsy1.lahabra.chevron.com! writes to Skydive:

 rlcc> reserve opens. This did happen to a friend of mine once, and we all
 rlcc> thought that she would die as her reserve was tearing up as she was
 rlcc> going down: it was all burnt up. She made it but  all the surviving
 rlcc> panels of the reserve could be ripped up by hand. Lucky gal.

HOW did the reserve burn up?  Sounds more like a defective chute.

 rlcc> The trick with an SOS system is to pull twice: once to cut-away, so you
 rlcc> pull on the handle maybe 6 inches then you *wait* 1/2 sec to one sec,
 rlcc> then you resume the pulling such that the reserve will open. Of course,
 rlcc> in the heat of the action, this is very hard to do.....

Since I am new at this sport, is the the textbook way of doing this?  In
other words, what do most skydivers think of this approach?

 rlcc> The RSL (Reserve Static Line) is a system (also called Steven's system,
 rlcc> I think) is another set up where you have a bride joining your
 rlcc> reserve handle to the main parachute riser above it. Once you cut away,
 rlcc> and as you fall away from the main, this pulls your reserve handle for
 rlcc> you.

Again I am new to the sport (only 4 jumps on SOS), but RSL sounds risky,
I guess it is a proven system?  Hmmm, that may have been a dumb question,
I would think it would HAVE to be proven to be used.  :-)

--- GoldED 2.40
--- eecp 1.45 LM2 

 * Origin: The Workshop BBS (217-352-6168) - <V32b/HST> (FidoNet 1:233/22)
--  
SKYDIVE - via FidoNet node 1:233/13
internet: SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.FIDONET.ORG
-- Check Source BBS, (217) 244-6954, HST, V.32, V.42bis ---
From: luanne@Pt.hq.af.mil (LuAnne Meyer)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: how often does this happen?
Date: 3 Sep 92 14:16:04 GMT
Organization: Headquarters Air Force, The Pentagon Washington, DC

i just did my first skydive ever -- AFF -- what a rush!  I went through a
USPA traaining course.  The main ripcord was a big round orange tube
type thing located on my right side.  The reserve was a large red ring
located on my left side.  It cut away the main and deployed the reserve.
It was very easy to tell the difference between the two and I didn't
have to worry about another step to cut-away the main before deploying
my reserve (not that I had to do it anyway!).  What would be the advantage
of this extra step? 
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
From: sh666@selway.umt.edu (Wolverine)
Subject: Re: 1 in 80000 dies.  Oh dear!
Organization: University of Montana
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 00:42:02 GMT

Oh no!  I just happen to be on my 79,999 jump!  Now what!?!?
From: SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.fidonet.org (SKYDIVE)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: the best
Date: 1 Sep 92 16:10:02 GMT

Reply-to: Bill.Caefer@p0.f853.n102.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Caefer)
Fido-To: romulus!pollux.usc.edu!suhler

 r> A few months ago, I met a jumper who said that the FAA was trying
 r> to punish him (whether in court or administratively, I don't know)
 r> for flying his canopy through a cloud.  He says that the cloud
 r> was between him and the inspector, who was on the ground at the
 r> DZ, and that he missed it.  I don't know how it came out.

 r> Does anyone know what punishments the FAA can mete out to
 r> someone who doesn't hold an FAA license?

I'm just guessing, but if they go through a court, he could probably be fined at least.  Also, I'm sure they can put pressure on the USPA to do something.  And I have heard of licenses being revoked for one thing or another.

--- Maximus 2.01wb
--- eecp 1.45 LM2 

 * Origin: <X> Infinity Ltd.  HST/DS (1:102/853)
--  
SKYDIVE - via FidoNet node 1:233/13
internet: SKYDIVE@f15.n233.z1.FIDONET.ORG
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From: yzarn@lhdsy1.lahabra.chevron.com (Philip Yzarn de Louraille)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: how often does this happen?
Date: 1 Sep 92 00:05:21 GMT
Organization: Chevron Oil Field Research, La Habra, CA.

In article <10EG02VK20IR01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com> drp40@cd.amdahl.com writes:
>In article <1992Aug31.185924.25915@eng.ufl.edu>, esj@viper.eng.ufl.edu (Eric S. Johnson) writes:
>
>What's the difference between having an SOS (pulling the reserve handle)
>and an RSL (cutting away?)???

If memory serves well, a SOS system will cut away the main then pull the
pin(s) that keep your reserve closed. It is all handled by one handle and
different lengths of cables first cut off the main, then the reserve
pin(s).

The problem associated with this set-up is that a nervous person will pull
that handle so fast that the main might still be attached as the reserve
opens. This did happen to a friend of mine once, and we all thought that
she would die as her reserve was tearing up as she was going down: it was
all burnt up. She made it but  all the surviving panels of the reserve
could be ripped up by hand. Lucky gal.

The trick with an SOS system is to pull twice: once to cut-away, so you
pull on the handle maybe 6 inches then you *wait* 1/2 sec to one sec, then
you resume the pulling such that the reserve will open. Of course, in the
heat of the action, this is very hard to do.....

The RSL (Reserve Static Line) is a system (also called Steven's system, I
think) is another set up where you have a bride joining your reserve
handle to the main parachute riser above it.
Once you cut away, and as you fall away from the main, this pulls your
reserve handle for you.

-- 
  Philip Yzarn de Louraille                 Internet: yzarn@chevron.com
  Research Support Division                 Unix & Open Systems
  Chevron Information & Technology Co.      Tel: (310) 694-9232
  P.O. Box 446, La Habra, CA 90633-0446     Fax: (310) 694-7709
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
From: king@glacier.Stanford.EDU (Robin King)
Subject: Dumpster accident
Summary: yuk yuk
Organization: Center for Integrated Systems, Stanford University, California
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 92 02:02:35 GMT

	About the guy who flew into the dumpster--
	We're told he _trashed_ his leg.   
	


	(Not to make fun....)
From:  (wine@stress1.nrl.navy.mil)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: PC's (nothing to do with computers)
Date: 26 Aug 92 20:13:09 GMT


I have a copy of the Paracommanders manual (from Paragear) and found it interesting
reading.  To those newer to the sport than myself: a paracommander is a brand of round 'chute
that were popular as "stearable" 'chutes before the ram-air came on the scene.  The manual
gives one a better idea of how easy we have it now.

? To anyone that has used/packed a PC:  The manual compares the pack volumes of the various PC's
with respect to the origional PC, but how big is that???  Can a PC fit in a Vector container (main).  What
changes have to be made to the packing instructions to do so?  Does anyone do this? 

I heard that some boogies are having round - accuracy compatitions for fun.  ?TRUE/FALSE??

I would like to jump a PC sometime, but I am concerned that any 'chute as old as PC's would not be
airworthy.  Any advice?


Jim A-12602

-----------------------------------

No greater high, 
than to fly in the sky!! 
From: slutz@hplvec.LVLD.HP.COM (Rob Slutz)
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 15:06:56 GMT
Subject: Paragliding
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Loveland, CO
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving

Just saw a bit about paragliding and it looked like it
might be a fun diversion. Anyone know anything about
the sport? Any comments, good, bad, or indifferent, are
welcome. Safety information would be most interesting.

Rob (slutz@hpmtlrs.lvld.hp.com)
From: worden@bouncer.nsc.com (Dennis Worden)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: the best
Date: 1 Sep 92 21:25:28 GMT
Organization: National Semiconductor Corporation


|> }There was a good example of a hook turn at Quincy.  A cameraman did a
|> }hook turn into a dumpster, shattered his right leg, lost a knee cap,
|> }a couple compound fractures.  My wife and i did a tandom jump that day
|> }and decided to continue on in the sport and learn to skydive.  However
|> }we will not be doing any hook turns.
|> 
|> Now here is a case of an experienced jumping setting a excellent example for 
|> the novice jumper by aptly demonstrating the dangers of low hook turns!

Let's not get down on these jumpers too much.  After all, as a letter to 
a recent Parachutist noted, they are the leading edge of our sport.  And
the first thing to hit is always the leading edge.


-- 
Dennis Worden, not representing $  When the TEAM succeeds, you succeed,
anybody, not even himself, in   $  but when the Team fails, you're FIRED.
any way shape or form.          $  Don't EMAIL me at worden@berlioz.nsc.com
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
From: allen@iat.holonet.net (Allen Erickson)
Subject: Re: you aren't going to believe this...
Organization: HoloNet (BBS: 510-704-1058)
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 08:31:46 GMT

bob@pta.pyramid.com.au (Robert Vernon) writes:

: 2 of my favourite student stories :
: 
: -  The student who cut-away because he couldn't pump the slider up.
: He flared the canopy twice as he was taught but the slider stayed
: down, so he used his emergencies procedures.  He did everything by the
: book, except for one misunderstanding.

That happened at Skydance, was that the incident you heard about, or is
that one repeatable?
-- 
Allen Erickson
From: jld@lookout.it.uswc.uswest.com (Jeffrey DeMent)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: dreams
Date: 4 Sep 92 14:32:49 GMT
Organization: U S WEST Advanced Technologies

In article <1992Sep4.012837.11267@mercury.cair.du.edu> tjreynol@zephyr.cair.du.edu (The Jumpin Dude) writes:
>Richard's article finally got me; I've had about 10 skydiving nightmares.
>anyone else? i'll describe some of them in some detail if anyone's
>interested.
>
>tim
>
>

No ;)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
From: nws@stout.atd.ucar.edu (Eddie Roberts (The National Weather Service))
Subject: Please define a few abbreviations
Organization: Atmospheric Technology Division/NCAR Boulder, CO
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 13:21:44 GMT

   The following abbreviations/terms have come up in a few
   recent threads.  I checked the FAQ and didn't see them
   defined.  Can someone help me out on the meainings?

   (I guessed on a few...correct me if I am wrong)

	-   CTAF
	-   ATC
	-   BSR
	-   FAR         Federal Aviation Regulations.
	-   GA          General Aviation
	    Now if GA is really genaral aviation is there another
	    abbreviation for commercial aviation or military 
	    aviation ?
	-   IFR         Instrumental ?????
	-   VFR         Visual ?????
	-   The difference between a throw-away pilot-chute and a
	    pull-out pilot chute.


	    Thanks  
			Eddie Roberts
From: jerrys@umiacs.umd.edu (Jerry Sobieski)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: how often does this happen?
Date: 1 Sep 92 00:20:23 GMT
Organization: UMIACS, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742

In article <10EG02VK20IR01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com> drp40@cd.amdahl.com writes:
>What's the difference between having an SOS (pulling the reserve handle)
>and an RSL (cutting away?)???

An SOS has the cutaway AND the reserve cables attached to a single handle.

An RSL is attached to the main risers and the reserve cable.

An SOS will cutaway the main and extract the reserve pin as it is pulled. 

An RSL will only activate the reserve if the main risers have enough
drag on them to release when cutaway.  In the case of a hard pull
(total) and some other types of functions, cutting away
will not release the main risers, consequently - no reserve deployment.

Jerry
-- 
Domain: jerrys@umiacs.umd.edu		    Jerry Sobieski
  UUCP:	uunet!mimsy!jerrys		University of Maryland
 Phone:	(301)405-6735		Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
 					College Park, Md 20742
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
From: gsh7w@fermi.clas.Virginia.EDU (Greg Hennessy)
Subject: Re: how often does this happen?
Organization: University of Virginia
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 23:22:56 GMT

In article <60032@mimsy.umd.edu> jerrys@umiacs.umd.edu (Jerry Sobieski) writes:
#While some
#improvements may be made by going one way or the other, students
#operating the wrong handles is rarely a problem.

Yes, but the consequences of it are quite large.

--
-Greg Hennessy, University of Virginia
 USPS Mail:     Astronomy Department, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475 USA
 Internet:      gsh7w@virginia.edu  
 UUCP:		...!uunet!virginia!gsh7w
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving