Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include branching fluid passages in an apparatus that reduce turbulent flow and generate evenly distributed fluid pressure as the fluids branch off into the different passages. In some embodiments, the branching passages may be subdivided into two sets: the branching passages for the liquid fuel and the branching passages for the liquid oxidizer. In some embodiments, the two sets of passages are carefully designed in an elegant yet extremely intricate manner that is optimized for proper fluid flow and maximal burn efficiency. The ends of all of the passages meet at the injector interface, which dispense the liquids into the combustion chamber for ignition. Generally, these designs are achieved through additive manufacturing, and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be manufactured using traditional techniques.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include branching fluid passages in an apparatus that reduce turbulent flow and generate evenly distributed fluid pressure as the fluids branch off into the different passages. In some embodiments, the branching passages may be subdivided into two sets: the branching passages for the liquid fuel and the branching passages for the liquid oxidizer. In some embodiments, the two sets of passages are carefully designed in an elegant yet extremely intricate manner that is optimized for proper fluid flow and maximal burn efficiency. The ends of all of the passages meet at the injector interface, which dispense the liquids into the combustion chamber for ignition. Generally, these designs are achieved through additive manufacturing, and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be manufactured using traditional techniques.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for techniques in removing roughness and surface anomalies in structures with internal passages and intricate external surfaces, such as structures with internal fluid passages constructed by additive manufacturing (AM), using an abrasive slurry. Post processing methods which are capable of smoothing non-uniform surface roughness within intricate fluid passages are a prerequisite to the widespread adoption of AM for complex fluid systems. In some embodiments, a mixture of abrasive powder and deionized (DI) water is used to create a viscous slurry which can then be pumped through the internal fluid passages of a workpiece until the desired surface roughness is achieved. This abrasive flow machine (AFM) is capable of smoothing a wide range of roughnesses, internal geometries, and printable materials.

Abstract: Calibrated additive manufacturing processes can be used to manufacture constructs which can include or exclude heat exchangers incorporating fractal branched conformal cooling passages for use as molds, rocket engine components, and test articles. Described herein are the manufacture and use of conformal cooling of heat exchangers made by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting wind direction includes an attachment member, an elongated member, a vertical member, and a wind direction indicator. The elongated member extends outward from the attachment member. The vertical member is coupled to the elongated member. The wind indicator is coupled to the vertical member and includes a bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and first and second sides extending from the bottom surface to the top surface. The wind indicator further includes a first fin and a second fin, each extending from the top surface and having a forward portion and an aft portion. A first distance between the respective aft portions of the first and second fins is greater than a second distance between the respective forward portions of the first and second fins such that the first and second fins converge toward one another at an acute angle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a hybrid rocket engine with regenerative fuel capability having a permeable inner wall structure that allows for non-solid fuel propellant to seep through and be used to generate thrust. The regenerative hybrid rocket motor design of the present disclosures may utilize various non-solid materials found in space, such as asteroid regolith, as fuel that can be provided through the permeable inner wall structure, even in a generally unrefined capacity. The design and placement of the permeable wall structure on the inside of the nozzle portion of the rocket may allow for a calculated layer of non-solid fuel propellant to seep through, due to the pressurized differential properties of space, and be exposed to an oxidizer element, which can then be ignited to generate thrust, thereby allowing for a propulsion system that can be refueled more easily. Other industrial applicabilities are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a combustion engine design with an optimized amount of materials used to generate the necessary components of the engine. The engine may be generated as a single piece, having no joints, fasteners, or any other areas that could present a risk for damage. The designs are described may also reduce weight of the engine, due to eliminating the need for fasteners and other extraneous hardware. In general, the weight of the engine may be optimized to also preclude the inclusion of extraneous material around needed structures. Also, the engine may be designed to be highly energy efficient, with optimal flows for fuel and other fluid with minimal head loss while maintaining higher pressures.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include branching fluid passages in an apparatus that reduce turbulent flow and generate evenly distributed fluid pressure as the fluids branch off into the different passages. In some embodiments, the branching passages may be subdivided into two sets: the branching passages for the liquid fuel and the branching passages for the liquid oxidizer. In some embodiments, the two sets of passages are carefully designed in an elegant yet extremely intricate manner that is optimized for proper fluid flow and maximal burn efficiency. The ends of all of the passages meet at the injector interface, which dispense the liquids into the combustion chamber for ignition. Generally, these designs are achieved through additive manufacturing, and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to be manufactured using traditional techniques.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a structural heat exchanger is presented that utilizes liquid fuel as a coolant as it travels through the perimeter of a region (e.g., a chamber) of an engine. The shapes of the coolant channels of the heat exchanger may be configured to change pitch angles as it travels to the top of the region, to account for areas of the region that may demand higher cooling properties. In some embodiments, the fuel diverter that allows initial passage of the fuel through the coolant channels may be configured to drive passage of the fluid up through the coolant channels with uniform pressure, even as the volume of fluid decreases the farther the fluid travels from the initial entry point. In some embodiments, this may be implemented as a fuel diverter shaped in an annulus with a gradually decreasing radial cross-section.