Mach 30 Technical Roadmap

back [[Technology_Evaluation]]

h1. Propulsion Card Storming

Covers fuel & oxidizer storage, injector, combustion chamber, nozzle, and anything necessary to keep those items “stable”

h2. Unsorted list of ideas

* Indoor test stand for testing a compressed air "cold gas thruster":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_gas_thruster

** test stands don't seem to be mentioned anywhere specifically

** probably fine just cuz it's so low power anyway

* 3D printed cold gas thruster for use on an indoor test stand

** hard to picture how this is anything other than a pneumatic valve

** maybe pneumatic valves are controlled if they have a certain capacity

* staging hobby and high-powered rocket motors

** the federal stuff doesn't cover this size rockets

** I haven't seen the relevant regs yet

* develop a series of larger test stands scaled around the classes of model and high powered rocketry certifications

** see first test stand comment above

* recreate Greg's undergrad sugar hybrid motor

** probably fine since it's probably equivalent to a class project

* upgrade Mach 30 test stand DAQ to include high speed video

** I doubt anyone cares about high speed video

* develop Arduino (or similar) model rocket launch controller board (including physical safety lock)

** model rockets are okay

* upgrade Mach 30 test stand DAQ to work over ethernet to extend operational range between operators and test stand

** fine. actually probably encouraged for safety reasons

* series of courses/kits to take users through high powered rocketry certs ("required to purchase high powered motors":http://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Motors/Cesaroni_Propellant_Kits/Cesaroni_Certification_Special/38mm_Certification_Propellants/Cesaroni_P38-4G_Classic_I285?zenid=vsrisevkgniqf6afnkdrnmu2k1)

** fine, and also probably encouraged

* Learn about and be comfortable using Reloadable rocket motors

** should be fine as long as it's model/high-powered

* Distributed laboratory software

** too vague

* Re-lightable motors, turn off and back on (means hybrid, or liquid engine, but not solid)

** certain fuels are controlled

** The MTCR Item 3 Cat II covers hybrid rocket motors, but the MTCR covers f**king everything associated with rockets anyway

* Ramp up test stand prototypes by increments of High-power certification levels

** each one would be considered individually

* Storage and handling of cryogenic liquids?

** I don't see that anywhere, but I could have missed it

** the CCL seems to list cryogenic parts if they are used to refine uranium, so there's that

* Simulation, analysis, design and testing of cooling systems (for combustion chamber, nozzle, and throat)

** not sure if it's controlled on its own, but since it's inseparable from the motors it's probably wrapped up there

* Variable nozzle designs

** who's idea was this? Oh, right, mine. Just ignore this one :)

* Flow visualization

* Nozzle comparison (Aerospike to traditional designs)

* Injector design (fuel and/or oxidizer) to maximize combustion efficiency

* Research Test stand configurations (vertical in addition to horizontal)

* Survey the existing instructions and informational materials for building engines and motors.

* Move from testing commercial off-the-shelf items (motors and engines) to building and testing custom built items.

* Address Instrumentation: how to collect data on motor tests.

* Material and manufacturing techniques for nozzles (3-D printed)

* Open source software altitude and flight profiles - Performance calculations

* Study fuel grain design (parameters) to optimize burn profile 

* Logistics, procedures, and infrastructure for Pay-for-testing, using Mach 30 equipment (income generation)

* 3-D printed fuel grains

* Research additional income streams RE: Propulsion (educational kits, grants, etc) - We can add this to all subsystems?

* Linear aerospike studies

* Combustion chemistry, develop open source software tools (NOTE: See NASA CEA)

* Environmental simulation and testing (expanding flight envelope)

* High operations tempo, flight rate motors.  

* Non-chemical propulsion (however this is low TRL/maturity)

* Developing refueling ground equipment “on the tarmac”

* Focus on maintainability, ease of operations.

* Procedures and equipment for “mode 2 operations” for simulation and testing

* Focus on safety procedures (not just during tests).

* Operational Countdown Checklist as it relates to the propulsion engine test checklist procedures.

* Develop a cultural delineation between “Operations or Test staff” and “Design staff” -- Maybe eventually specialize into 3 groups

* Handbook for stakeholder collaboration (state, local, federal agencies and regulations)

* Rules of thumb for Launch/test site size space, in handbook form.

* Develop relationships with potential test sites

* Acoustic, Vibration, Acceleration simulation and testing.  

* Procedures to optimize, advertize, public viewing and interaction SAFELY.

* Remote viewing (Cameras for online streaming video streaming) to maximize audience.

* Rocket exhaust plume studies (morse code??)

* Ground operations communications equip and procedures.

* Disaster recovery plan for catastrophic mishap.

* Procurement/development of transportation and handling equipment for stands and motors (flatbed trailers, etc)