Stellar

During the Spring of 2023, Stellar has made significant progress on the Engineering Design and Controls teams, working on injector testing and fluid feed system assembly.

Goals

This semester our goal was to test our injector using the full fluid flow rate and document and analyze our findings from the result. Another goal was to redesign the chamber and nozzle component to fit within the size constraints of the metal 3D printer in the Additive Manufacturing Lab here at Iowa State and implement cooling channels with accurate wall thicknesses. On the controls team’s side of the project, we researched pressure vessels and cryogenic hardware components, documented our findings, and developed a list of recommended hardware for purchasing in future semesters. Furthermore, another goal for the controls team is to construct the Fuel side of the fluid feed system, connect the necessary components to the lab view, and test the system. Finally, in preparation for the future of Stellar, we wanted to start communications with EH&S and the University about developing a testing area and future steps they want us to take regarding hot-fire testing.

Deliverables

This semester Stellar had five deliverables:

• Redesign Chamber and nozzle with more accurate regenerative cooling channels and smaller form factor.
• Conduct and analyze Full Flowrate Cold Flow Injector Tests
• Create a report on pressure vessel options and recommendations for future purchase
• Create a report on cryogenic hardware and recommendations for future purchase
• Assemble 1st half of the fluid feed system in Pathfinder

At the time of this post, we have completed two deliverables. These two deliverables are the report on pressure vessels and cryogenic hardware. The remaining three to be completed are the chamber and nozzle redesign, the injector tests, and the assembly of the fluid feed system. 

Remaining Work for the Semester

Regarding future work to complete the remaining deliverables, completing the regenerative cooling channels is the only thing holding back the chamber and nozzle redesign. Once the cooling channel design and wall thicknesses are determined, the model of the chamber and nozzle can be completed. Finally, for the fluid feed system, the controls team is working on the physical assembly and the LabView code to go along with it.