College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Aerospace Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Aerospace Engineering
Date
6-2011
Primary Advisor
Tina Jameson, College of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This project reviews the design, manufacturing and experimentation process of a green bi-propellant thruster designed to output 5 lbf. The goals were to successfully design, manufacture and test a thruster, while discovering the complications that arise through out the complete design process of a green thruster. The thruster was successfully designed using ideal rocket equations and the design was successfully confirmed using CFD and FEA. Manufacturing of the thruster was fully planned and revealed mild flaws in thruster design. For example some features were not manufacturable to the exact measurements desired. Testing of the engine gave results inconsistent with expected values with a maximum nominal thrust of 2.38 lbf. Measurement errors in thrust and mass flow rates caused calculations of thruster performance, such as ISP, to vary from expected values. Measurement errors are suspected to stem from a combination of incorrect ideal assumptions and test bed design flaws.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aerosp/52
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Other Aerospace Engineering Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Structures and Materials Commons