Even though we are well below freezing point and our launch platform Sputnik and mission control vessel Vostok are both stuck in the Copenhagen harbor ice, the level of activity is very high.
There is a great vibe at the facility and we have begun planning for launch- and test events in 2013. We are all busy working different technologies and general development in many areas.
This blog will be primarily visual with a few notes attached, describing what we are working on at the moment.
Personally I love these periods in between launch seasons. This is when the real development is happening.
If you happen to live near by do not forget to sign up for at guided tour where you can feel and smell the hardware and may even be kidnapped for work.
Our liquid propellant engine TM65 was unmounted vertical test stand-1 yesterday and further close-up inspection will be performed. The engine was tested Dec 30 and the inner nozzle skirt was damaged. This engine will not be fired again but placed somewhere for public viewing.
Peter Madsen will begin production of a new improved version of this type of engine, very soon.
HEAT2X aluminum propellant tanks. Image: Kristian von Bengtson
Andreas of Copenhagen Suborbitals are busy welding the Ø640mm propellant tanks for rocket HEAT2X. This rocket will have a TM65 type engine motor using LOX and alcohol.
If time, development and money allows, this HEAT2X will fly in 2013 but our priorities, regarding rocket launches, are still active guided Sapphire and 1/3 scaled LES-capsule tests.
The code for launch activities:
10 If Date=”May1″ goto 20 else goto 10 20 If Weather=”OK” then goto 30 else goto 20 30 Launch(Sapphire) 40 If MiniLES<1 then Launch(MiniLES) 50 MiniLES=”1″ 60 If Sapphire_technology=”Accepted” then goto 70 else goto 20 70 If weather=”OK” then goto 80 else goto 70 80 Launch(HEAT2X) 90 Stop
Uprighting test and pilates ball test for uprighting bag. Image: Kristian von Bengtson
We have finally found the uprighting sequence for Tycho Deep Space II and are now mostly focusing on re-entry capsule stability. However, René has been working some potential fittings for possible uprighting bags which are commonly used as fitness or Pilates bouncing balls. These balls are very robust and can be found in all sizes and colors (for almost no money).
SolidWorks flow simulation benchmark test. Image: Kristian von bengtson
Finding the center of pressure for a rocket is not particularly difficult but forcomplex geometries, like a capsule, it is another matter. For the past week my computer has been working overtime with CFD-tests using solidworks in the hunt for finding a “reliable” way to pinpoint the center of pressure on any geometry.
I now believe that the center of pressure can be found in the same spot where torque becomes zero in all axis. Since Solidworks are capable of outputting origin torque values I have been trying to calculate this. If it works we will be able to find the center of pressure for all possible geometries.
The image above shows torque calculations during a benchmark test for a known rocket with a know Cp.
Tycho Deep Space II center of gravity and center of pressure. Left: Mach 2 CFD test of Tycho Deep Space II. Image: Kristian von Bengtson/Jonas Bjarnø
Jonas of Copenhagen Suborbitals has given me a known number for the center of pressure (Cp) of Tycho Deep Space, based on HyperCFD. I am trying to get the same result in SolidWorks but for know I am using this result to pretend we are having great re-entry stability of the capsule.
Balsa wood has just arrived and René and I will create 1/10 scale models of the capsule for vertical wind tunnel testing to examine general stability. We will go visit the facility Thursday for a first handshake and preparation.
As soon as the stability-data can be accepted we will begin full scale boilerplate production of the capsule, and head to Space Center Lindoe for drop tests and uprighting tryouts.
Homemade turbo pump and Sapphire rocket. Image: Kristian von Bengtson
Peter Madsen is also working on his turbo pump which will be used as the liquid propellant feed system. I am sure a test of this turbo pump is very near. Also, the sapphire rocket is being worked led by Flemming Rasmussen aiming for a complete and approved rocket by April 1.
I also would like to mention that I will be doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit at 2pm EST / 8pm CPH time, today for about an hour.
See you all soon.. Perhaps later today on Reddit…
Ad Astra Kristian von Bengtson
