Abstract Title
Augmented Spark Impinging Igniter for Liquid Rocket Engines
Faculty Mentor Name
Michael Fabian
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
The Augmented Spark Igniter (ASI) Project is a liquid propulsion study with the objective of providing a lasting and reliable way of igniting a liquid rocket engine. Spark igniters are used in the aerospace industry to start engines even in the vacuum of space. Current methods of ignition on campus have been a fire hazard and proven inconsistent. A spark igniter mainly involves mixing the main engine’s propellant in a more volatile state with a spark. The ASI injects gaseous oxygen and jet fuel into a combustion chamber where a car spark plug ignites the two mixing propellants. As a result, the ASI becomes a small rocket engine with the main purpose of providing a flame temperature hot enough to light the main engine. The design incorporates interchangeable orifices so it can be installed on future engines with different parameters. Additionally, the igniter is accompanied by its own test bench to verify results before installing into an engine. The end goal of the ASI Project is to provide a safe and functioning igniter that can be adapted to any amateur rocket engine with a sizing spreadsheet and testing apparatus.
- POSTER PRESENTATION
- IGNITE AWARD
Augmented Spark Impinging Igniter for Liquid Rocket Engines
The Augmented Spark Igniter (ASI) Project is a liquid propulsion study with the objective of providing a lasting and reliable way of igniting a liquid rocket engine. Spark igniters are used in the aerospace industry to start engines even in the vacuum of space. Current methods of ignition on campus have been a fire hazard and proven inconsistent. A spark igniter mainly involves mixing the main engine’s propellant in a more volatile state with a spark. The ASI injects gaseous oxygen and jet fuel into a combustion chamber where a car spark plug ignites the two mixing propellants. As a result, the ASI becomes a small rocket engine with the main purpose of providing a flame temperature hot enough to light the main engine. The design incorporates interchangeable orifices so it can be installed on future engines with different parameters. Additionally, the igniter is accompanied by its own test bench to verify results before installing into an engine. The end goal of the ASI Project is to provide a safe and functioning igniter that can be adapted to any amateur rocket engine with a sizing spreadsheet and testing apparatus.
- POSTER PRESENTATION
- IGNITE AWARD