Student activities, research and development in high-power rocket propulsion and systems engineering

Abstract

The Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Saint Louis University primarily focuses on student-run, undergraduate research in high-power propulsion system design and development as well as design and development of high-power rocketry systems providing the students with experiential learning opportunities to develop critical skills and knowledge in designing, building, and testing rocket subsystems. Current projects include a modular solid propellant research engine, an integrated flight tested solid propellant engine, design and analysis of rocket recovery systems, as well as several others. The student-led rocketry lab currently has nearly 50 students, and faculty advisers not only from the undergraduate engineering programs, but also from four other schools at the university. The lab has established partnerships with expert mentors from local Rocketry Association and with the university's chemistry department to permit the safe mixing of rocket propellant and casting of fuel grains for our solid rocket engine designs. The lab completed two very challenging Student Researched and Developed (SRAD) high power rocket projects for launch at the 2nd Annual Spaceport America Cup at White Sands, New Mexico in 2018. “Trailblazer” rocket was the university's entry into the 10,000-foot SRAD category of the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). “BillikenOne” rocket was the engineering college's Aerospace Engineering Senior Design entry in the high-altitude demonstration flight category, as an attempt to set the college's rocket project altitude record of over 50,000 feet altitude as part of the Bicentennial Celebration. This paper describes the research and development effort of the solid rocket engine motors, experiences of the undergraduate students who have participated in the competition and lessons learned through this experience, and a few key projects undergoing current development. It will be shown that these projects focus on the principles of systems engineering with highly detailed system/subsystem designs for rocket systems and propulsion systems. These projects have shown to offer unique opportunities for students to experience real-world challenges that are typically faced by the aerospace industries on a daily basis.