Water rocket zip tie launch system

This is a high powered 3D printed water rocket nozzle design. Due to the high cross-section in the nozzle, it accelerates very fast and efficiently.

If it’s pressurized to, 6 bar a rocket can achieve speeds up to 325 km/h (100mph). The rocket is held in place to the launch platform by means of zip ties (see photos). The launch system is able to handle pressures up to 8 bar if components are printed and assembled correctly.

The launch system was designed for a high school diploma project. During this study, it was determined that a larger nozzle is correlated with higher achieved velocities and altitudes. Subsequent mathematical models and simulations of a water rocket has confirmed this. The design has been through many iterations and improvements, one part that has been strengthened is the trigger ring (see image below).

The rocket performs best when it’s filled with 1/4th water, but it also flies if it’s only filled with compressed air. For this rocket, we used a compressor