Propulsion & Energetics Intern @ Physical Sciences, Inc

Overview

As a Propulsion & Energetics intern at Physical Sciences, Inc, I worked on a variety of projects, including rotating detonation engines. These include both rocket engines and air-breathing combusters.

Solid Fueled Gas Generator Simulation

As an intern, I developed a solid fueled gas generator simulator in Python. It took in characteristics about the solid fuel mixture being used, and from it determined the optimal orifice size, grain size, and grain geometry to match a specified mass flow rate of efluent gas. The simulation provided graphs of pressure, mass flow, temperature, and burn rate, all versus time. The simulation software was utilized to write a proposal that was sent to a partner company.

Spark Igniter Verification

I created a simulation software that took in the mixture of gasses found in a rocket engine torch igniter and the pressure in the igniter, and then returned the likelyhood of ignition of the torch igniter, letting us size the minimum viable igniter. This software used Paschen's law to determine the breakdown voltage of the gas mixture.

Flight Valve Design

I designed a lightweight flight ball valve designed to utilize off the shelf industrial ball valves and motors, focusing on minimizing custom parts, cost, and complexity. The ball valves are compatible with cryogenic fluids, and were handed off when my internship ended. It will be used on a flight engine that is in development.

Running Engine Tests

I helped run tests of engine components and fully integrated engnies. This includes igniter tests, hotfires of engines, and cold flows. I also loaded liquid oxygen for tests as well as RP-2, and worked among other interns to assemble both engines and supporting hardware for these tests on site. This includes the engines themselves, as well as feed systems, tanks, and completing wiring. Some examples include a high pressure gaseous oxygen line that I cleaned and ran 30 feet from a high pressure storage tank to an igniter.