Purdue Space Program (SEDS) Liquids Team
Purdue Space Program (SEDS) Liquids Team
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The Purdue Liquids Team was founded in 2017 to compete in the newly founded FAR-MARS competition. The original members of PSP-L developed a single stage rocket named Boomie Zoomie, now referred to as BZ-1. This was a liquid bi-propellant rocket using methane and liquid oxygen. While this design was successful in hotfire testing, some oversights in the design meant the rocket would not achieve its intended performance, and analysis determined it would not achieve the desired altitude in flight. For this reason, the team began development of a new vehicle, named Boomie Zoomie B, or BZB. This design incorporates many of the same design decisions as BZ-1, with improvements derived from the lessons learned from testing BZ-1. I joined the team shortly after beginning my Master's degree in August 2020, shortly after BZB's Preliminary Design Review. Subsequently, much of the design was nearly-complete when I joined. Most of my work since joining the team has been dedicated to the redesign of the propellant feed system, the manufacturing and assembly of both BZB and the ground support equipment, and all preparation for the upcoming hotfire testing campaign, including the design and manufacture of some testing hardware.
The Purdue Liquids Team was founded in 2017 to compete in the newly founded FAR-MARS competition. The original members of PSP-L developed a single stage rocket named Boomie Zoomie, now referred to as BZ-1. This was a liquid bi-propellant rocket using methane and liquid oxygen. While this design was successful in hotfire testing, some oversights in the design meant the rocket would not achieve its intended performance, and analysis determined it would not achieve the desired altitude in flight. For this reason, the team began development of a new vehicle, named Boomie Zoomie B, or BZB. This design incorporates many of the same design decisions as BZ-1, with improvements derived from the lessons learned from testing BZ-1. I joined the team shortly after beginning my Master's degree in August 2020, shortly after BZB's Preliminary Design Review. Subsequently, much of the design was nearly-complete when I joined. Most of my work since joining the team has been dedicated to the redesign of the propellant feed system, the manufacturing and assembly of both BZB and the ground support equipment, and all preparation for the upcoming hotfire testing campaign, including the design and manufacture of some testing hardware.
My first major work on the liquids team was to redesign the lower plumbing system. This is the plumbing system between the propellant tanks and the engine. This system includes the main propellant valves, the cavitating venturis responsible for regulating propellant flow rates, the propellant fill connections, and associated instrumentation and relief valves. This assembly can be seen below.
My first major work on the liquids team was to redesign the lower plumbing system. This is the plumbing system between the propellant tanks and the engine. This system includes the main propellant valves, the cavitating venturis responsible for regulating propellant flow rates, the propellant fill connections, and associated instrumentation and relief valves. This assembly can be seen below.
During the summer of 2021 I and a handful of other members worked on a daily bases to build up the necessary hardware in preparation for the first hotfire. This built-up included the manufacture and assembly of the propellant fill and drain ground support equipment and plumbing, the wiring and setup of the data acquisition system, the manufacturing and assembly of the rocket itself, and leak-checking all pressurized systems.
During the summer of 2021 I and a handful of other members worked on a daily bases to build up the necessary hardware in preparation for the first hotfire. This built-up included the manufacture and assembly of the propellant fill and drain ground support equipment and plumbing, the wiring and setup of the data acquisition system, the manufacturing and assembly of the rocket itself, and leak-checking all pressurized systems.
I will continue to work with the PSP-L team until I graduate in May 2021. The team is currently working towards the initial hotfire test.
I will continue to work with the PSP-L team until I graduate in May 2021. The team is currently working towards the initial hotfire test.
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