An additively-manufactured CNG/GOX aerospike rocket engine: Test results, performance and analysis

Paper number

IAC-17,C4,IP,19,x38239

Author

Mr. Nicholas Mason-Smith, Monash University, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Joel Weightman, Monash University, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Dominic Tan, Monash University, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Marcus Wong, Monash University, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Marten Jurg, Monash University, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Graham Bell, Monash University, Australia

Year

2017

Abstract

An aerospike rocket engine is to be additively manufactured using selective laser melting from a commercial nickel-based superalloy. Design features enabled by additive manufacturing include multi-chamber combustion, internal lattice jacket cooling and aerospike support. The design and manufacture of the engine is the subject of another paper to be submitted for IAC2017. 

The rocket engine is scheduled to be fired on May 28, 2017. This paper will review the engine test, performance and instrumentation. Dynamic measurements of engine thrust, vibration, coolant temperature, combustion chamber pressure and radiated sound will be recorded during testing and presented.

Analysis of these data will allow a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of additive manufacturing with the selected material as a technique for the construction of gaseous-fuelled rocket engines.

Abstract document

IAC-17,C4,IP,19,x38239.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,C4,IP,19,x38239.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.