Project
Ignis engine.

Construction

• These four static test engines were identical in construction and fuel type. All four engines worked well with the exception of one which the nozzle blew out of and another that vented through the end cap towards the end of the test. Both failures can be attributed to finishing the engines late the night before and not giving the silicone adequate time to cure. There are currently four 5/8" pins holding in the nozzle, I think increasing that number to eight will prevent any future failures even if the silicone sealing the nozzle is not dry. All engines were constructed and fueled using the methods below.

Pros

• All engines showed an excess of 50 lbs. peak thrust which is well within the 10:1 thrust to weight ratio goal. Engines currently weigh 3.65 lbs.
• Engine casing material held up well and did not rupture.
• Throat erosion was nominal at 0.70" before firing to 0.84" after.

Cons

• One nozzle failure but that will be resolved with the addition of four additional pins.

Pictures

• Me next to the four test engines.
• Engine on test stand with bathroom scale and mirror.
• One static test.
• Some of the nozzles cut in half after firing.

Video

• Pressure reading of first static test where nozzle blew off.
• Pressure reading of second static test.
• Pressure reading of third static test.
• Pressure reading of fourth static test.
• View of first static test and nozzle blowing off.
• View of third static test.
• View of fourth static test. Very nice test.