2023 Engineering Design Conference - Michigan Launch Alliance
Team 17: Michigan Launch Alliance - Project: Bi-Propellant Rocket Engine
Team Members
Joshua Boverhof
Dawson Coats
Jaden Groenheide
Christopher Osburn
Faculty Advisors
Dr. Wendy Reffeor
Abstract
Michigan Launch Alliance is seeking to enhance applicable projects in the aerospace industry to help students design, build and iterate before being exposed directly in their jobs. The Bi-Propellant Rocket Engine is the first step in this ambitious mission to search for simple solutions for complex problems. The team was tasked to design, test, and build a liquid engine capable of producing 100 lbf of thrust for 10 seconds of duration The Heat transfer, compressible flows and strict geometric restrictions of the engine were carefully developed and validated through a series of CAE software and scalable tests such as cold flow testing, pressure testing, and ultimately a static hot fire. In this first phase, Western Michigan University was tasked with the production of a static test stand to be used to reliably test the engine in a static environment.
Industry Sponsor
Michigan Launch Alliance
Enabling launch initiative for aerospace related projects for aspiring students across the state of Michigan