joshua laas capstone project july 2016
TRANSCRIPT
Capstone Design – Hybrid Rocket: Oxidizer Feed System
Joshua Laas
About MeB.S. Mechanical Engineering – June 2016 graduate from Oregon State University, GPA 3.43I am a highly motivated, newly graduated student, seeking a career in the aerospace industry. I have dedicated my senior year of college to studying courses that focus entirely on aerodynamic design. I have been involved in the design of OSU’s first hybrid rocket. I was the technical lead for the rocket’s oxidizer feed system and was in charge of ensuring all calculations were accurate and concepts within the design were applicable. I am a quick learner and love teaming up with others to accomplish something new and innovative. My objective is to work in a progressive environment that encourages technical and creative growth.
Project Overview• Sponsored by OSU Chapter of AIAA
(American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
• Design and build a flight-viable hybrid rocket• Perform both ground and flight tests• Research and optimize for the future• Collaborative design experience• Designs intended for 2017 Hybrid Rocketry
Competition
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Fuel and Energetics – 4 Chemical Engineers• Fuel composition
optimization• Combustion reaction
energetics
Data Acquisition – 3 Electrical Engineers• DAQ system for propulsion
test stand
bbc.co.uk
Hybrid Rocket Design – 12 Mechanical Engineers
● Hot End 1 - injector, fuel, igniter● Hot End 2 - combustion chamber, injector
manifold, nozzle● Cold End - oxidizer feed system, remote
priming system● Vehicle Engineering - recovery system,
aerodynamics, structures, integration
Launch Rail – 3 Mechanical Engineers
● Large enough for hybrid rocket
● Collapsible for travel
Overall Design Process
House of Quality:
CRs and ESs
Simulation:SolidWorks
ANSYSOpenRocketNASA CEA
EES
Sub-system testing:Sub-team
TPs
Full-scale testing:Test firesDry Run
Assemblies
Oxidizer Feed System
Overview• Driving CRs
– Safe pressurization– Non-corrosive– High Isp
• Proposed problems– Safety– Spatial constraints– Acceptable pressure &
mass flow rate • Subsystem solutions
– Oxidizer/pressurant– Feed system
components– Remote oxidizer
priming
Oxidizer/Pressurant• Nitrous Oxide
– Non-cryogenic– Common – Non-toxic – Easy storage – Better performance– Cooling
• Self-pressurizing– No pressurant– Acceptable pressures– Single tank
Feed System Components • Single tank configuration
– Lightweight – Smaller size
• Servo actuated ball valve– 45 kg-cm servo– 3/8” ball valve– Opens completely in 0.15 s– Mass flow up to ~0.66 kg/s– Operated remotely by on-board microcontroller
Feed System Components Cont. • Stinger
– Unobstructed line extending from inside the tank at desired fill level to an exit through the side of the rocket body
– A 3/16” tube is welded into a drilled out hex plug. Through the remaining 1/8” wall, a 0.016” orifice is drilled in the hex nut and a 3/16” tube is welded to the non-threaded side to guide the vented gases out of the body of the rocket
– When the oxidizer is filled to the desired level, the bleed line will begin venting liquid, signaling fill completion
– Empties tank of foreign gas– Adiabatic expansion prevents supercritical
temperature
Remote Oxidizer Priming• Collapsible arm
– Hydraulic quick-disconnect fittings
– Worm drive and gear motor
– Servo to initiate an electronic disconnect
– 316 Stainless steel• Accessibility
– Side of rocket– Magnetic door
Results Passed: 10 out of 12 testing proceduresFailed:
Specific Impulse Performance TestTarget: 221-270 sAchieved: 210 s
Reason: Ambient temperature of 56℉ during test, optimal oxidizer temperature between 70 and 74℉.
Oxidizer Tank Pressure TestTarget: 760-1500 psiAchieved: 550 psi
Reason: Ambient temperature of 56℉ during test, optimal oxidizer temperature between 70 and 74℉. Oxidizer storage tank was unable to self-pressurize to 760 psi.
RecommendationsFor better results:• Test rocket motor vertically• Use double valve carbon fiber
tank• Pressurize with inert gas• Decrease plumbing pressure drop
– Test larger check valve• Temperature control storage tank
For ease of data analysis:• Ensure all sensors work for every
test• Advance method for cleaning up
data• Create a venturi flow meter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyfvJF529no
For safety: • Keep impressing other hybrid teams by
enhancing existing safety mechanismshttp://www.simmonsmfg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/PAGE-5-CC1b.jpg
LaunchSuccessful launch on July 3, 2016 in Brothers, OR. The rocket flew to an altitude of 5,342 feet and was recovered safely.
Further ExplorationOSU Hybrid Rocket Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/OSUhybridrocketclub/photosOSU Hybrid Rocket Test Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENvX7uhVTVMby8BE_YOu9whttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flaiKnyUY0E LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-laas-23871511b