Performance Analysis of Size Scaling on Hybrid Rocket Motors

Faculty Mentor Name

Michael Fabian

Format Preference

Poster

Abstract

Hybrid rocket motors are a form of propulsion that combine the principles of liquid engines and solid motors. They offer the low cost and relative simplicity of solid motors while maintaining the liquid engine’s ability to be throttled. Despite these advantages relatively little research has been conducted on the internal mechanics of hybrid motors. This lack of research has led the industry to exclude hybrid propulsion systems from large scale launches, namely in the area of space exploration. This project aims to fill in a portion of this research gap by using a combination of computer simulation and experimental testing to collect data on how size scaling affects the performance of hybrid motors, and to use that data to create a more accurate simulation model. By more closely representing real world results this data will reduce the time, cost, and safety hazards of preparing a hybrid propulsion system for launch. The lasting result of this research will be making hybrid motors and their associated benefits more accessible for future propulsion systems. The test will include four rocket motors; the first motor’s purpose is to acquire experimental values for the hybrid motor simulation. The other three motors will each increase in scale in order to test the effect scale has on a hybrid motors output.

  • POSTER PRESENTATION
  • IGNITE AWARD

Location

ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm

Start Date

3-29-2019 11:00 AM

End Date

3-29-2019 9:00 PM

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Mar 29th, 11:00 AM Mar 29th, 9:00 PM

Performance Analysis of Size Scaling on Hybrid Rocket Motors

ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm

Hybrid rocket motors are a form of propulsion that combine the principles of liquid engines and solid motors. They offer the low cost and relative simplicity of solid motors while maintaining the liquid engine’s ability to be throttled. Despite these advantages relatively little research has been conducted on the internal mechanics of hybrid motors. This lack of research has led the industry to exclude hybrid propulsion systems from large scale launches, namely in the area of space exploration. This project aims to fill in a portion of this research gap by using a combination of computer simulation and experimental testing to collect data on how size scaling affects the performance of hybrid motors, and to use that data to create a more accurate simulation model. By more closely representing real world results this data will reduce the time, cost, and safety hazards of preparing a hybrid propulsion system for launch. The lasting result of this research will be making hybrid motors and their associated benefits more accessible for future propulsion systems. The test will include four rocket motors; the first motor’s purpose is to acquire experimental values for the hybrid motor simulation. The other three motors will each increase in scale in order to test the effect scale has on a hybrid motors output.

  • POSTER PRESENTATION
  • IGNITE AWARD