Date of Graduation

5-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Roe, Larry A.

Abstract

Hybrid rockets have become an increasingly popular application in professional and amateur rocketry for their outstanding performance and reliability. An issue pressing the marketability and functionality of these rockets is the ability to restart with an exclusive system after primary ignition. Research and development of a system that can be used reliably in either application to achieve restart under various conditions has been made recently using dual injection of GOX and C3H8 using a 200kV ignition system while implementing a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) formable polymer as primary fuel. The system used a manual valve arrangement for control. The design features most of the necessary performance adjustment components and both additional and intrinsic safety mechanisms. Analysis of test data indicate improvement in ignition lag by increasing operating pressure, minimizing plumbing system, and increasing electric igniter durations.

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