Date of Award
2020-01-01
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s)
Ashan R. Choudhuri
Second Advisor
Jack F. Chessa
Abstract
The utilization of liquid oxygen and liquid methane (LO2/LCH4) in the propulsion system of various space exploration vehicles has gained traction in the last decade. In an attempt to further advance LO2/LCH4 technologies, the MIRO Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research (cSETR) is developing and testing a LO2/LCH4 500 lbf engine. A testing facility to test medium sized engines is being developed at the Fabens Technology Research Innovation Acceleration Park (tRIAC) located in Fabens, Texas. The facility is composed of three trailers: the engine trailer, the propellant trailer, and the Modular Instrumentation and Control Interface Trailer (MICIT). The facility has undergone qualification testing to ensure safe operability and functionality of the system. CROMEâ??s first set of hot-fire tests were short duration tests at the lowest thrust level of 125lbf. The focus of the first series of tests was to demonstrate the engine's successful and repeatable operation. Subsequent hot-fire tests will maintain the previously tested thrust but will slowly increase burn duration from one to five seconds. A variety of issues were encountered with the instrumentation, hardware, and electrical components during the developmental stages of the facility. This dissertation will provide an overview of the engine and facility as well as describe the test operations required that had to be followed to successfully test the engine.
Language
en
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
Copyright Date
2020-12
File Size
112 pages
File Format
application/pdf
Rights Holder
Mariana Chaidez
Recommended Citation
Chaidez, Mariana, "Testing of Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane 500lbf Rocket Engine" (2020). Open Access Theses & Dissertations. 3148.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/open_etd/3148