Propulsion

Project Redshift’s liquid-propelled vehicle will fly on a regeneratively cooled bi-propellant engine, using kerosene and LOX. Propulsion designed, manufactured, and built the engine along with a test stand for data acquisition. The result is a 3D-printed Inconel engine consisting of regenerative channels, and a machined pintle injector. This engine has been cold-flowed and static-fired several times, with varying degrees of success.

This semester, the Propulsion team is designing systems to improve the reliability and robustness of the test stand and increase the chances for a successful firing. Other projects that are running concurrently with testing the engine include the design and manufacture of a vertical test stand for testing the flight stack up, a new augmented spark ignitor, and a swirl injector.

Wednesday 8-10pm, Forsyth 244, 201, 238, MIE Capstone Lab

Prop-Software

Prop-software develops the control systems that allow the engine to operate optimally, along with other software for engine tests such as frontend data visualization, controls operation GUI, and data logging software. Our Engine Control Software is the centerpiece of the subgroup, following an inheritance-style design that allows verifying new features in simulation before deploying on the actual hardware.

This semester, the team is working closely with the Propulsion team to implement the proportional valve control in frontends and the engine control software to help prepare for a successful hotfire!