Augmented Torch Ignitor
A torch ignitor that uses air (OX – 100 psi) and propane (FUEL – 100 psi) as its propellants. A mixture of the two propellants is ignited with a spark plug, which produces a flame to create combustion of a bi-propellant liquid rocket engine.
Check out more details about this project below.
A video of the torch ignitor in action.
Previous ignitor.
Contained a solid rocket motor inside of it and was fixed in place with a threaded cap. Had to be refurbished after every hot fire attempt.
Created a plumbing & instrumentation (P&ID) diagram.
Allowed for effective communication of the design with my two other teammates.
MATLAB
Used MATLAB computational software to find the optimal orifice sizes. It did so by allowing me to iterate through varying orifice sizes, to in turn find the optimal ox to fuel ratio. Calculations went through compressible fluid mechanics equations to do so.
It was determined that orifice sizes of 0.03 inches in diameter for air & 0.01 inches in diameter for propane is ideal.
Part selection.
- System is composed of NPT fittings and components.
- Flex hoses used as lines.
- Propane hose to connect to propane tank supply.
- Used pressure tanks that were rated to higher than necessary pressure, for safety.
- 4 solenoid valves. 2 served as fill valves, the other 2 as run valves.
Testing & integration.
Testing of each individual moving component was necessary to validate its function. In this case it was only the four solenoid valves.
The first couple attempts at creating a flame weren’t perfect. For example, the following video shows a flame that was too large for our liking so we tuned the system by decreasing the pressure of the propane.
The result was the video seen at the top of this page.
Images of test stand, for context.
Alexander Aguilar 