The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Prescott, Liquid Rocket Program’s goal is to develop, launch to the Karman Line, and recover a reusable liquid propellant rocket. By means of various vehicle iterations such as Altair, Deneb, and Deneb 2, the program made advancements in propulsion testing by achieving a collegiate altitude record. However, ongoing technical problems restricted performance and reusability. Altair suffered an ignition caused explosion and valve/fitting failures. Deneb performed successful ignition and sustained flight but had shortcomings in engine efficiency, sensing of ignition, mass control, aerodynamics, and recovery. Deneb 2 was a repeat of subpar performance with the added feature of chamber ablation, and injector warping. These failures define three primary technology gaps: engine efficiency, robust ignition with abort/re start capability, and long-duration test chamber with thermal and mechanical degradation resistance.  
This capstone project will focus on the proposed engine which will be comprised of injector and chamber designs focused on increasing efficiency, a fluid-cooled chamber jacket permitting flight-like burn durations, and a torch ignitor for reliable and repeatable engine ignition. Achieving these objectives will improve program duration and provide a solid base for ERAU liquid propulsion teaching and research. Outcomes will inform future flight capable engines.

Vulcan Propulsion

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