WATER ROCKET COMPETITION
Foundation Day Activity of the Civil Engineering Program
In coordination with:
Engr. Elizabeth C. Lumioan – Instructor, Hydraulics
Engr. Van Vesper J. Dulliyao – Instructor, Physics
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineering Students (PICES) – KSU Chapter
Kalinga State University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Discussion: Engineering Principles
3.1 Principle of Rocket Flight
3.2 3.2 Internal Pressure Profile
3.3 Pressure–Volume Relationship
3.4
4. Materials and Specifications
5. Design Analysis
6. Conclusions
7. References
ABSTRACT
The Water Rocket Competition is an outcomes-based, experiential learning
activity conducted in celebration of the University/Foundation Day of Kalinga
State University. Organized by the Civil Engineering Program through the
PICES–KSU Chapter, the activity integrates concepts from Fluid Mechanics,
Hydraulics, and Physics into a practical engineering application. Third-year
Civil Engineering students apply theoretical knowledge in designing,
constructing, and testing water rockets, while first-year students enrolled in
Physics actively participate in measurement, launch assistance, and data
collection. The competition promotes interdisciplinary learning, vertical
integration across year levels, teamwork, and innovation using low-cost and
sustainable materials. Through hands-on experimentation, students develop
deeper conceptual understanding of pressure, thrust, projectile motion, and
system stability, reinforcing the relevance of engineering principles in real-
world applications.
INTRODUCTION
Engineering education emphasizes the importance of linking theoretical
knowledge with practical application. In Civil Engineering, subjects such as
Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, and Physics form the foundation for
understanding fluid behavior, forces, and motion. However, these concepts
are often abstract when confined to classroom discussion alone.
The Water Rocket Competition is designed to address this gap by providing a
hands-on learning platform where students can observe and analyze the
physical manifestation of engineering principles. A water rocket, propelled by
pressurized air and water, serves as a simplified but effective model of real
engineering systems involving fluid flow, pressure dynamics, and projectile
motion.
This activity engages third-year Civil Engineering students as primary
designers and competitors, allowing them to apply advanced concepts from
Hydraulics. At the same time, first-year Civil Engineering students enrolled in
Physics are integrated as active participants, reinforcing their understanding
of kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, and accurate measurement
techniques. The collaboration fosters mentorship, teamwork, and a culture of
experiential learning within the program.
DISCUSSION: ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES
A1. Principle of Rocket Flight
The motion of a water rocket is governed primarily by Newton’s Third Law of
Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite
reaction. When pressurized air inside the bottle forces water out through the
nozzle, a downward thrust is generated. In response, the rocket experiences
an upward force that propels it into the air.
The thrust force depends on the mass flow rate of the expelled water and the
velocity at which it exits the nozzle. Once the water is expelled, the rocket
follows a projectile motion path influenced by gravity and air resistance. The
overall flight is divided into two phases: the powered ascent phase and the
ballistic or coasting phase.
A2. Internal Pressure Profile
The internal pressure of the water rocket plays a critical role in determining
its thrust and performance. Initially, compressed air inside the bottle stores
potential energy. Upon release, the pressure rapidly decreases as water is
expelled.
The pressure profile is not constant throughout the launch. It is highest at the
moment of release and gradually decreases as the air expands and water
volume reduces. This changing pressure affects the thrust magnitude and
duration, directly influencing the rocket’s maximum height and horizontal
range.
A3. Pressure–Volume Relationship
The pressure–volume behavior of the air inside the rocket can be explained
using Boyle’s Law, which states that for a given mass of gas at constant
temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume. As the
compressed air expands to push the water out, its volume increases while
pressure decreases.
This relationship highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate water-
to-air ratio. Too much water limits air volume and reduces pressure
expansion, while too little water results in insufficient reaction mass. An
optimal balance ensures efficient energy conversion from compressed air to
kinetic energy. In this activity, a standardized water-to-air ratio of 40 percent
water and 60 percent compressed air is adopted to achieve sufficient
reaction mass while allowing adequate air expansion for effective thrust
generation.
MATERIALS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The water rockets shall be constructed using low-cost and readily available
materials, including:
Plastic soda bottles (1.5 L to 2.0 L capacity)
Clean water as propellant
Fins made from lightweight cardboard
Cone made from Paper Card (Folder)
Adhesive tape (duct tape)
Measuring tape or meter stick
Ball as nose cone weight or ballast
All materials must comply with safety guidelines and be free from sharp
edges or hazardous components.
DESIGN ANALYSIS
Engineering Design Explanation
Design Concept
The water rocket adopts a single-capsule bottle design, using a standard
plastic bottle as the main pressure vessel. Additional components are
integrated to enhance aerodynamic performance, stability, and launch
consistency. The rocket is equipped with three fins made of lightweight
cardboard, symmetrically attached at the rear section to provide directional
stability. A nose cone fabricated from folder card is installed to streamline
airflow at the front of the rocket. Inside the nose cone, an 800-gram ballast
(ball) is placed to shift the center of mass forward, reducing aerodynamic
instability and minimizing drag-induced tumbling during flight.
A water-level monitoring feature is incorporated into the design to accurately
control and verify the propellant volume prior to launch. This feature ensures
consistency in the water-to-air ratio and improves repeatability of
experimental results.
Water-to-Air Ratio
The rocket operates at a 40 percent water and 60 percent compressed air
ratio, which is widely recognized as an optimal configuration for water rocket
performance. The 40 percent water provides sufficient reaction mass for
thrust generation, while the remaining air volume allows adequate expansion
during launch. This balance maximizes thrust duration and exit velocity,
leading to improved horizontal range and stable ascent.
Stability Features
Stability is achieved through a combination of aerodynamic and mass
distribution strategies. The three-fin configuration ensures symmetric airflow
and resists rotational motion. The forward placement of the 800-gram ballast
moves the center of mass ahead of the center of pressure, a key requirement
for stable projectile flight. The nose cone further reduces pressure drag and
smoothens airflow, contributing to a straighter trajectory.
Expected Trajectory
Upon launch, the rocket undergoes a powered ascent driven by thrust from
expelled water, followed by a ballistic phase governed by gravity and air
resistance. With proper alignment and stable design, the expected trajectory
is a smooth parabolic path with minimal lateral deviation. The optimized
mass distribution and controlled water-to-air ratio are expected to result in
consistent flight paths and measurable horizontal distances.
The design of the water rocket focuses on three key aspects: propulsion
efficiency, stability, and structural integrity. The bottle serves as the pressure
vessel and must withstand internal air pressure without deformation. Fin
placement and symmetry are essential for aerodynamic stability and straight
flight trajectory.
The center of mass should be positioned forward of the center of pressure to
prevent tumbling during flight. The nozzle diameter affects water exit
velocity and thrust duration, while the water-to-air ratio influences overall
performance. Design decisions are evaluated through test launches and
measured flight distances. For consistency and fair comparison among
teams, a 40 percent water and 60 percent air ratio is used as the standard
configuration, based on established water rocket performance principles.
CONCLUSIONS
The Water Rocket Competition successfully demonstrates the application of
Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, and Physics principles through experiential
learning. By engaging students in design, experimentation, and analysis, the
activity strengthens conceptual understanding and engineering intuition.
The integration of first-year and third-year students promotes collaboration,
mentorship, and appreciation of foundational subjects. Moreover, the use of
sustainable and low-cost materials reinforces responsible engineering
practice. Overall, the activity contributes meaningfully to the academic,
professional, and personal development of future civil engineers.
REFERENCES
1. Fox, R. W., McDonald, A. T., & Pritchard, P. J. Introduction to Fluid
Mechanics. Wiley.
2. Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., & Okiishi, T. H. Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics. Wiley.
3. Hibbeler, R. C. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics. Pearson Education.
4. Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. W.H.
Freeman.