From an email by Dan:
I machined a prototype of the Nose Separation Ring (NSR) to test the performance of the design. It was a stunning success, even if I do say so myself. I have attached a few photos of the ring before and after ignition, which I will bring with me to the next meeting.
I think the next step is to machine parts to actual dimensions and test the joint for tensile strength, shear strength, single and double ignitor failure, and finally high altitude separation tests.
Please see http://photos.psas.pdx.edu/airframe/20070204_nose_separation_ring_test/ for pictures and movie of the test.
Go Dan go!