Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

This project focuses on the design and construction of a hybrid rocket motor test stand to be used in a future hybrid rocket class that will be offered at the University of Rhode Island. Team 16H began coordination with sponsor, Dean Marchese, in September 2024 to develop a problem definition and customer requirements. The test stand should have the ability to measure and record essential parameters such as thrust, chamber pressure, and mass flow rate. To ensure user safety, the implementation of a remote-control ignition system is required. The table is expected to consume gaseous oxygen with an inline nitrogen purge system. Research was conducted to begin the generation of design concepts. The design concepts were assessed using Pugh and QFD analyses, leading to the selection of a final proof-of-concept design. The three leading design concepts focused on enhancing the structure for mounting the rocket motor to the test table, improving the ignition system, and refining the stand’s overall framework. A 3D-printed model of the lock-and-twist mechanism, designed to securely hold the rocket motor, was developed. In December 2024, Team 16H presented their proof of concept. The spring semester began with the redesign process. Ultimately the twist and lock mechanism and stand improvement concepts were used in the final design, while the ignition system alternative was eliminated. Throughout the spring semester, the team worked on constructing the rocket test stand. The mechanical features of the stand include a mass flow controller, pneumatic valve, ball valve, nitrogen line, flex hose, load cell, combustion chamber, and rail system. While all mechanical components of the stand were completed, the wiring and coding will be passed on for a Ph.D. student to finalize. With finalizations to be made in the future, the test stand will help to enhance aerospace studies at the University of Rhode Island.

Comments

Team Name: Team 16H

Company Sponsor: University of Rhode Island

Sponsor Representative: Anthony Marchese

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-016-2025

Download

Share

COinS