Advanced Space Propulsion CISAS Propulsion Group
Thesis topics This work foresees the representation of different injectors or injection plates using CFD tools. The models available in the CFD for this type of simulations will be discussed and compared. Literature data will be used for a validation of the CFD models applied to liquid injection description.
Thesis activities: 1) creation of different geometries.
2) literature survey to find data to be used for the study and CFD models validation, 3) creation of different simulation cases, 4) results comparisons,
5) conclusions to be drawn in terms of the most appropraite models for describing specific injector geometries.
Outcome: The goal for this thesis is to find the most appropriate numerical models for liquid injection description and to find how to simulate specific injector or injection plate geometries in a simplified way, suitable for CFD analysis. The final results can be published in a scientific paper.
Competence: CFD (preferably)
Duration: 4-6 months.
Theses on Chemical Rocket Motors
Thesis topics: To deasign into details an experimental test bed to study N2O decomposition using a plasma system as a trigger/sustainer.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic review, (ii) Modification of an existing global model describing N2O decomposition, (iii) detailed design of the experimental test bed.
Outcome: N2O decomposition model updated, detailed drawing of the test bed, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: no
Duration: 3-5 months
Thesis topics: To perform a detailed thermo-mechanical design of the structure of a sounding rocket using an hybrid rocket motor.
Thesis activity: Bibliographic review, Preliminary design, FEM analysis.
Outcome: Preliminary structure design, FEM investigation of critical elements, final detailed design, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: FEM (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 months.
Thesis topics: To perform a detailed aerodynamic simulations of a Sounding Rocket.
Thesis activity: CFD investigation on single elements of the Sounding Rocket and on the entire assembly at different speed, altitude and attitude.
Outcome: CFD simulations, drag coefficients for different layout, identification of criticalities in the layout, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: CFD (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 months
Thesis topics: To perform a preliminary design and then a detailed design of the whole subsystem of an hybrid rocket: (i) communication, (ii) power, (iii) fluidic component, (iv) recovery system, ((v) Payload bay.
Thesis activity: To identify different options for all of the subsystems, to perform a preliminary design and finally a detailed design of the all subsystems after an optimization loop. The optimization will consider: (i) Costs, (ii) Mass, (iii) Volume efficiency, (iv) safety, (v) reliability.
Outcome: Detailed design of system sub components, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: no
Duration: 3-5 Months
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Thesis topics: To optimize a sounding rocket system, identifying the best trajectory and thrust profile allowing to reach the maximum altitude.
Thesis activity: To set-up an optimization algorithm, to identify the optimal trajectory/launcher configuration, to identify design margins for the all subsystems.
Outcome: Optimal thrust profile, design margins, expected performances, optimization tool, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: no
Duration: 3-5 Months
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Thesis topics: To study and implement the physical model behind thrust vector control based on liquid/gas injection.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic investigation, (ii) identification of a physical model describing the interaction among the main-nozzle flow and the secondary flow injected through the nozzle wall, (iii) model implementation in matlab.
Outcome: Physical model of liquid TVC implementd in Matlab, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competence request: Matlab (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 Months.
Thesis topics: To study and implement the physical model behind thrust vector control based on vanes.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic investigation, (ii) identification of a physical model describing the interaction among the main-nozzle flux and external vanes, (iii) model implementation in Matlab.
Outcome: Physical model of TVC using vanes implemented in Matlab, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competence request: Matlab (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 Months.
Thesis topics: To study the physics involved in the self-pressurization of the oxidizer (liquid oxygen, nitrous oxide) especially during transient behavior, to upgrade existing models.
Thesis activity: Bibliographic review, (ii) analysis of existing models, (iii) identification of the physical model, (iv) implementation.
Outcome: Model of oxidizer self pressurization implemented in matlab, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: Matlab (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 Months
Thesis topics: To perform a numerical investigation of stress conditions and structural response of large paraffin grains subjected to operation loads.
Thesis activity: Identification of load conditions, set-up of suitable FEM model, FEM investigation.
Outcome: Identification of critical load conditions for the paraffin grain.
Competences requested: FEM (preferably).
Duration: 3-5 months
Thesis topics: To perform CFD simulations of the combustion chamber of an Hybrid Rocket Motor using different types of propellant in order to identify the effect of the propellant type on local characterisistic of the flame structure and on the heat exchange toward the grain.
Thesis activity: (i) set-up of CFD models, (ii) CFD simulations, (iii) Physical investigation and correlation with Marxman theory.
Outcome: CFD simulation, physical understanding, publication on conference proceeding (depending on the work quality).
Competences requested: CFD (preferably)
Duration: 3-5 Months
Thesis topics: To study an advanced pressurization system based on a self-heating Helium mixture.
Thesis activity: (i) bibliographic review, (ii) Identification of the physical models, (iii) implementation in matlab of the physical models, (iv) Sensitivity analysis.
Outcome: Numerical models of the pressurization system. Publications either on scientific journals or conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: CFD
Duration: 3-5 Months
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Thesis topics: To study a throttable oxidizer control valve suitable for sounding rocket applications.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic review, (ii) Preliminary valve design, (iii) CFD analysis (optional), (iv) detailed thermo mechanical design (v) FEM analysis (optional).
Outcome: Valve detailed design including actuators.
Pubblications either on scientific journals or conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: FEM, CFD (preferably)
Duration: 4-6 Months
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Thesis topics: To study very high temperature valves suitable to transfer and control high temperature gas from the main combustion chamber to the nozzle.
Thesis activity: (i) bibliographic review, (ii) identification of valve layout, (iii) CFD investigation and optimization, (iv) material analysis, (v) final design.
Outcome: Valve final design and simulations.
Publications on conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: CFD (preferably)
Duration: 4-6 Months
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Thesis topics: To study into detail innovative pump assemblies suitable for sounding rocket systems or small launchers.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic review, (ii) identification of possible pump layout, (iii) system level analysis and impact, (iv) Preliminary pump design (for a selected type) , (v) CFD investigation (optional), (v) final design.
Outcome: Analysis of different options as innovative pump arrangements, detailed design of a pump assembly.
Publications on conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: CFD (appreciated)
Duration: 4-6 Months
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Thesis topics: To implement an analytical model to predict nozzle erosion in an hybrid rocket motor.
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic review, (ii) identification of physical aspects, (iii) implementation of physical model in matlab.
Outcome: Numerical model of nozzle erosion, publications on conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: Matlab
Duration: 4-6 Months
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Thesis topics: To design and verify a monopropellant thruster based on the catalytic decomposition of high concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2).
Thesis activity: (i) Bibliographic review, (ii) identification of thruster layout, (iii) verification of thermal and mechanical loads, (iv) test bed design and verification, (v) CFD investigation or catalyst modelling (optional), (vi) test bed and thruster calibration and testing.
Outcome: Drawings, assembly and verification of the H2O2 monopropellant thruster and test bed. Publications on conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: Solidworks (appreciated)
Duration: 4-6 Months
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Thesis topics: To calibrate a six degrees of freedom (6DOF) rocket test bed to be used for the study of fluidic thrust vector control (TVC).
Thesis activity: (i) Design verification, (ii) mechanical and vibrational analysis, (iii) static calibration, (iv) Arduino based data acquisition, (v) motor hot fire testing with TVC.
Outcome: Proper calibration of the 6DOF test bed, measurement accuracy report. Publications on conference proceedings can be considered depending on the work quality.
Competences requested: Solidworks (appreciated)
Duration: 4-6 Months
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