[AR] Re: Congratulations to USC for Traveler IV launch
- From: Henry Spencer <hspencer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Arocket List <arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 26 May 2019 16:26:41 -0400 (EDT)
On Sun, 26 May 2019, Henry Vanderbilt wrote:
For a student liquid-rocket propulsion project with a chance of
successful completion in four years of your no-doubt plentiful undergrad
spare time :-D I'd suggest starting with a fairly basic known-workable
engine configuration, then aim not to perfect it, but to build then
thoroughly test and characterize it...
Also, for a spare-time effort where maintaining the team's interest really
matters, make flame and noise early and often. Resist the temptation to
postpone actual testing until you've built the perfect test stand and
understood your engine inside and out; aim for the shortest possible path
to a fireable engine system and a bare-bones test stand, and then proceed
to improve both. The technical details may interest people, but the real
payoff is firing something; don't make people wait too long for that.
(If the test stand is ready first, as could easily happen, consider firing
an off-the-shelf HPR solid motor or two on it. It'll give the test stand
an initial checkout, and likewise your interface with local safety people
etc., before you add the complications of an experimental engine. So you
can justify it perfectly well without ever having to actually mention your
desire for flame and noise. :-) )
Henry
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