Rocket Engine Analysis

During the Spring 2024 semester at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua, I completed a project in the Mechanics of Materials course focused on the structural and thermal analysis of a small-scale rocket engine. The objective was to design a model in SolidWorks/NX and evaluate its performance under different stress conditions, simulating the operational loads that the engine would encounter.

Working in a team of three, I was primarily responsible for both the CAD design and the simulations. We conducted an investigation of potential propellants and structural materials, analyzing their mechanical and thermal properties to identify suitable options for withstanding combustion pressures and high temperatures. Using MATLAB, I calculated the internal pressure generated by different propellants, which provided the foundation for the structural analysis of the components. The CAD model, although adapted from existing references due to our limited design experience at the time, was created and modified by us to meet the analysis requirements.

I then led the finite element analysis (FEA) of individual parts of the engine to evaluate stress distribution, deformation, and potential failure points under operating conditions. This project strengthened my skills in SolidWorks/NX modeling, FEA simulations, MATLAB programming, and material/propellant research, while also providing experience in leading the technical aspects of a collaborative engineering project.