Bi-Propellant Liquid Rocket (Yale Project Liquid)
January 2024 - Present
My Role:
Jan 2024 - May 2024: Fluid Supply Sub-team Lead, head of full feed system design, construction, and testing processes.
May 2024 - Present: Chief Engineer, head of operations for all four sub-teams building rocket (Propulsion, Fluid Supply, Structures, and Avionics)
Skillsets: CAD modeling, P&ID development, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, hardware familiarity and construction
Objective:
Design, build, and test a liquid bi-propellant rocket engine capable of producing 1000 lbf thrust using Ethane and Nitrous Oxide. Implement this engine into a rocket for entry in the FAR-OUT intercollegiate rocketry competition.
Results:
As Fluid Supply sub-team lead, successful design of the feed system for the new engine both on a test stand and in a rocket, as well as procedures for engine testing and vehicle filling/draining.
As Chief Engineer, successful design of systems integration on test stand and vehicle. Construction has begun and will continue, with the goal of completing the engine test stand in the Fall of 2024.
Process & Reflection:
The feed system for the new engine builds off of the concepts which were tested and proven in the Augmented Spark Igniter, notably the self-pressurizing capabilities of each propellant. Using models that I created to predict flow rates and pressures in the new engine, fluid components were sized to achieve targets for a 1000 lbf engine. These components were then documented in new P&IDs and CAD models. With the necessary implementation of the feed system in a rocket body, new considerations had to be made for the manufacturing of the system. Also, in addition to safety standards for pressurized systems and hazardous propellants, new safety standards with regard to filling and launching a flight vehicle used to inform system design.
As the Chief Engineer of this project, I have had the opportunity to work on many aspects of the rocket design process, including thrust chamber design, test stand and rocket body design, and electronics integration in addition to fluid systems work. I have also gained great experience managing people and projects, while coordinating simultaneous design, construction and testing work. I have found this position very rewarding so far, and I look forward to what we accomplish as a team this year!
P&ID for Ground Systems and Vehicle Fluids Systems