About

Taurus I is our first generation HTPB/ABS/N2O Hybrid Rocket Engine (HRE), designed to have a sustained thrust of ~100 N.

Developed in parallel with our Hybrid Test Stand, the lessons learned from Taurus I are assisting our design of Taurus II, our flight-weight engine.

TAURUS v 1.0 sectional

TAURUS I sectional

Advancements

Several projects are being developed simultaneously in the development of Taurus I.

  • Advanced Geometries & Variable Pitch

    • 2D features - Geometry.

      • Increased regression rate: The high surface geometry allows for more efficient combustion of the fuel, resulting in a higher regression rate.

      • Reduced erosion: High surface geometry can also help to reduce erosion of the fuel grain, as the smaller channels allow for more evenly distributed heat and pressure. This can result in a longer lifetime for the rocket motor.

    • 3D features - Spiral/Variable Pitch.

      • The helical shape of the fuel grain allows for more efficient and thorough mixing of the two substances, which can result in more complete combustion and higher performance.

      • A swirl helps to stabilize the flame, reduce the likelihood of combustion instabilities & improve reliability.

  • Integrated mold.

    • Utilizing additive manufacturing, we are making highly complex ABS molds that burn alongside HTPB.

  • Fuel Grain Regression Model

    • A program that models the progression of a fuel grain as it burns inside a hybrid engine. The model uses MATLAB and the Image Processing Toolbox to approximate the evolving shape of the fuel grain.

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