Nitrous/Ethene Engine Test Stand Fluid System

The Variable Engine Gas Test Stand (VEGAS) is a horizontal test stand that will be used to quickly and cheaply test new engine designs.

VEGAS Fluid System CAD Assembly Mockup

2022 VEGAS P&ID

VEGAS Test Stand Structures

This was my first major project with BURPG, where I gained experience in teamwork, system integration, vendor communication, spreadsheet management, and fluid system design.

Variable Engine Gas Test Stand (VEGAS)

The Variable Engine Gas Test Stand (VEGAS) is a horizontal test stand designed for fast and cost-effective engine testing. Its primary goal is to provide empirical data to accelerate development, while its secondary goal is to train new members in fluid systems, structures, rocket engine design, and test stand operations. VEGAS is currently built to support a 600 lbf nitrous oxide and ethene bipropellant rocket engine.

VEGAS Test Stand Fluid System

After the P&ID was created, I received key specifications, including oxidizer and fuel line diameters, fluid velocity, initial pressure set points, propellant properties, required mass flow rate, and pre-injector pressures.

The VEGAS fluid system consists of three sections: the oxidizer side, the fuel side, and the GN2 side. Oxidizer and fuel flow are controlled by pneumatic ball valves, which are actuated by pilot solenoids on the purge side. The GN2 system serves two functions: clearing the oxidizer and fuel lines after a hotfire or cold flow test and actuating the pneumatic valves.

Results and Conclusions

The design focused on minimizing fluid component costs and optimizing the system to reduce pressure drop across the lines. Over two months, I sourced components from various vendors, compiled data sheets, and created an Excel spreadsheet to track components and calculate pressure drops based on orifice size, flow coefficient, and other factors.

Once the design was finalized, my team collaborated with the structures team to integrate the fluid components into a CAD assembly. Following a critical design review, minor revisions were made, and a bill of materials was created. The fluid system is now awaiting purchasing and assembly.

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