starting research motor log!

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+# Propellant Research #
+
+## Test Log ##
+
+* [Test 1](test1) - 38mm 3-grain KNSO

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+# Test 1 #
+
+Robert and I decided to start out with a Sorbitol mix.  Following 
+[Scott Jolley's](http://ajolleyplace.com/scott.html) lead, Bdale procured 
+a sample of Polystep-B1 surfactant to make the propellant pourable.
+
+A quick burn simulation suggested 3 grains in an Aerotech 38/360 case with
+0.250 nozzle throat would be something like an H125 with Kn in the low 
+300's, fairly even burn rate, using around 177g of propellant.  It looks like
+this is in a burn rate plateau, as simulating with the stock nozzle size of
+0.180 inches yielded nearly identical results, just with higher chamber
+pressures.  
+
+Aerotech 38mm grains are 1.875 inches long, and our casting tube measured 
+1.260 inches inside diameter.  We used a 
+[Tru-Core](http://www.rocketsaway.com/html/casting_sets.html) 
+casting set with 0.5 inch diameter mandrel.  The plan was to cast one long 
+grain and then cut it into 3 grain-length pieces, so we started with 6 inches 
+of casting tube weighing 4.75 grams hoping to get at least 5.625 inches of 
+good grain after saw / knife kerfs.
+
+## Formula ##
+
+* 65% Potassium Nitrate        (130g)
+* 35% Sorbitol (70g)
+* 1% Red Iron Oxide, added post-melt (2g)
+* 1 drop per 100g Polystep-B1 (2 drops)
+
+## Process ##
+
+We measured out the potassium nitrate and sorbitol into a sealable plastic
+container and shook vigorously to break up the clumps in the sorbitol and
+get a good physical mix.  
+
+The mix was dumped into a Presto Multi-Cooker and heated with the dial set 
+to something like 225 degrees F.  Once it started to melt, we stirred almost
+constantly with a silicone spatula.
+
+Once the sorbitol was all melted, we added the red iron oxide and stirred 
+until it was all blended in.  Then we added 2 drops of surfactant and 
+continued to stir.  The surfactant clearly reduced viscosity as shown by
+lifting the spatula and watching how the material dripped off.
+
+We started to pour the propellant into the casting tube on the stand, but
+fairly quickly the mixture got thick as it cooled.  So we put it back on the
+heat, with the control turned up to something like 275.  Stirring constantly,
+we noticed it start to smoke and immediately pulled the power and started
+to pour again.  This time we got the casting tube filled pretty easily.
+
+We set up some folded card stock in a piece of aluminum angle and poured the
+remaining propellant in to form a test strand for open air burning.
+
+Clean-up was done using water and paper towels, including boiling water in the
+multi-cooer to help soften the residual propellant.  Pretty easy to clean up
+actually.
+
+About 4 hours later, the card stock was pulled off the test strand, which
+proved to still be a bit on the pliable and "tacky" surface side.