Subteam Information
The ground support subteam is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and development of our rocket engine test stand for the collegiate propulsive lander challenge.
Ground Support Team Lead: Derek Reister
General Overview
The ground support subteam is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and development of our rocket engine test stand for the collegiate propulsive lander challenge. The test stand has two main parts: the architecture and electronic controls. The architecture consists of fuel tanks, piping, and other systems needed to help support the liquid-fueled launch. The electronic control system monitors the test stand's operation and controls the amount of liquid produced by the tanks.
Ground Support Equipemnt
The ground support equipment (GSE) is at the heart of the Advanced Rocketry Club’s testing operations for the liquid-fueled lander for the collegiate propulsive lander challenge. The GSE is responsible for supplying the rocket engine with liquid propellants at high pressures. It also monitors the health of the rocket engine and related components to ensure smooth testing procedures. The ground support equipment will also collect data for analysis to help improve future testing.
Rocket Engine Test Stand
Currently, the subteam is working to significantly enhance the capabilities of its test stand. Previously, the test stand could test solid rocket motors up to 1,000 lbf of thrust; modifications are being made to enable liquid rocket engine testing at 5,000 lbf of thrust. The liquid-capable test stand will have 55-gallon stainless-steel tanks capable of operating at pressures up to 800 psi. The larger-volume tanks, along with lab-jack hardware, will enable extended-duration test firings with engines across a wider performance range.
Current Projects
This semester, the team will fabricate the test stand after completing the design and analysis. With the test stand fabricated, the stainless-steel tanks will be pressure tested to their 800-psi operating pressure. This will verify the tank’s rating and the nitrogen pressurant systems. Cold-flow testing of the tank will be conducted after the pressure test to characterize and verify plumbing system performance and pressure drops.
