Small Scale Rocket Demo:Thrust Chamber Assembly
Team 1
Problem Statement
Design & simulate a portable, small-scale rocket engine package for the purpose of educating and instilling an interest in fields of science for youth. Our team is in charge of designing and constructing the Thrust Chamber Assembly and hybrid-fuel delivery system. Our thrust chamber assembly shall be designed to work in conjunction with the two other groups to create a safe hybrid rocket engine demonstration. To ensure the demonstration is safe, a blast shield shall be encompassed into the final packaging.
Product Requirements● Engine shall use acrylic and oxygen as fuel sources● Provide 1 lb of thrust throughout its minimum run time of 4 seconds● Packaged in 24”x14”x9” envelope● Responsible for a blast shield between the engine, all pressurized
components upstream, TCA/igniter and all operators/observers● Coordinate throat temperature measuring with Team 3● Coordinate define a common mounting interface between the igniter and
thrust chamber assembly with Team 2● Budget $225● System must last at least 3 firings
Initial Designs
● Design #1 was created to provide maximum rigidity and prevent leaks.
● We initially saw few benefits to design #1, but later realized that it would be far easier to manufacture a modified version of design #1.
● Design #2 featured a two-piece nozzle which we originally thought would make manufacturing easier and parts easier to replace.
● After consulting with the shop, it turned out this design would be more difficult to create, and ultimately not practical.
Solidworks Final Design
System Breakdown
Manufacturing and Testing
Final Product
Budget
Testing the Rocket
Encountered Problems
● Manufacturability of nozzle● Shipping times and costs● Regulator and pressure gauges not working● Fitting oxygen supply, igniter, and pressure sensor in
end cap● Delays in integrating our system with other teams
Lessons Learned
● Manage lab time more efficiently● The ordering process● Coordinate with other teams● Must consider feasibility of manufacturing
Questions?