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Product Proposal

Introduction + Statement of Purpose


My main goal this year when I started ISM was to experience as much of the engineering
world as possible and increase my knowledge specifically on aerospace engineering through
research and mentor visits. As my mentorship had progressed, albeit in a different structure than
I had previously imagined, I was being heavily educated on current space exploration topics and
engineering applications, but I was missing the experience aspect due to a distance separation.
Therefore, my mentor and I came to the agreement that my original work project would serve as
an experience of completing a real engineering project with the components of a cost analysis, a
schedule, weekly meeting, in-depth records, and a final paper to present my learning to the
world. As I experienced how real-world engineers go through the engineering design system to
create a product, my mentor would guide me and provide me with how engineers would
approach logistic problems and the tools they would use in order to accomplish their goal,
allowing me to essentially become an engineer all from the comfort of my own home.
This structure of carrying out my original work needed a complex problem which would
require research, electronics, design, and mechanics to come up with a solution. The best and
most interesting topic I found that could encompass those requirements was engines.
Specifically, I will conduct research on internal combustion engines, and how they can be
adapted through space technology to work more efficiently here on earth. The research will
include physics, chemistry, and math calculations for fuel numbers as well as a hypothetical use
of the engine through simulation. As I am learning more about the different types of engines and
how they work, I will also learn their mechanics by building a small model engine of my own.
Through building, I will be able to understand how the reactions and equations I apply actually
take place in an engine and how problems can arise. Finally, through programming with a micro-
computer and with circuit designing, I will automate the model engine with a motor and add
LED lights to showcase the passage of airflow through the engine at specific times. To connect
the micro-computer and motor to the model engine, I will also design a bracket through
Autodesk Inventor and 3-D print it. With all of these steps, I will not only become much more
knowledgeable about engines (an integral piece of knowledge for aerospace engineers), I will
also practice my skills in research, physics, chemistry, construction, programming, designing,
and presentation, making this piece of work a compilation of everything I have learned through
my years of schooling.
I will be basing my final paper on a paper that my mentor himself co-authored below. It
will include a full explanation of my goal, my steps, my results, graphical analysis, and a
conclusion about the importance of this research.
● An ISRU Propellant Production System to Fully Fuel a Mars Ascent Vehicle:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/173wpBXVh87-
OlXHK1aFXiSJqCN5O_BZC/view?usp=sharing

Review of Skills and Research


The simulation I will be running is based on the research done by a NASCAR team to
integrate liquid hydrogen and oxygen into an internal combustion engine which usually runs on
fuel. The first step in understanding the problem and its solution will be to thoroughly understand
this article and its diagrams.

● NASCAR Space ICE :


https://jalopnik.com/a-nascar-team-is-building-the-first-internal-combustion-
1783198912

The solution discussed in the article above speaks of old V8 engines. I have no previous
knowledge of the different types of engines and how they have evolved through the years. To
understand how the solution applies, I must also know more about V8 engines, which is what the
study below focuses on.
● History of the V8 Engine:
http://bmp.thefloatingwidget.net/work/The_History_and_Development_of_the_V8_Engi
ne.pdf

The method that the NASCAR team used to make their engine work is with liquid hydrogen,
which is a different process than the normal way. To understand how the process is different, I
need to know about previous uses on hydrogen. Before reading this study, I only knew about
how hydrogen applies in rocket propulsion, which is a completely different method than the one
detailed below.

● Hydrogen Use in Engines:


https://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/tech_validation/pdfs/fcm03r0.pdf
The research above has focused on specifics about my original work project, but I also need
to learn the basics. To complete the simulation in my work, I must understand how torque and
power can be calculated from simple data about an engine. I know the basic equations to derive
these values from physics, but all of that is general, theoretical work, whereas in the real world,
the equations must take into account other factors.
● Torque and Power in Engines:
http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine_technology/power_and_torque.htm

Methodology
1. Buy all materials listed below as none are owned.
2. Make Excel sheet for math calculations and organize it like NASA does. Start coming up
with the format of the Research Paper, such as the sections, the font, and the information and
graphics to be put down.
3. Add more comparison information to business sheet. When engine arrives, build it (2 days).
Start experimenting around with the Arduino technology, and do a mini project involving
LED lights.
4. Start setting up the simulation by determining what engine specs to base it off of, the number
of miles driven, and the exact make and model of the truck used. Also start experimenting
with Autodesk Inventor again, and analyze the style in which the bracket should be made to
connect the motor and arduino board to the build model engine.
5. After the simulation details are cemented, apply them to the math model in excel and use
those number to determine how much fuel/power the trip will take with pure hydrogen fuel in
comparison to a normal fuel mixture. Additionally, determine how much time/energy would
be needed to make that amount of hydrogen fuel through NASA technology and solar power.
6. Modify the engine by automating it through the Arduino board, Motor, and LED lights.
Experiment with the best code formation for the set-up.
7. Design the bracket to be used after taking extremely precise measurements and conducting a
full mechanical analysis.
8. After finding the physical model and the simulation, compile the information into a full paper
presenting the findings and the lessons learned.
9. Modify, add, and edit the research paper as needed. Paint the engine.
10. Present on Final Presentation Night.

Materials and Cost Layout


Materials include but are not limited to:
1. Laptop (with Microsoft Office) - $0 * owned
2. Autodesk Inventor Software- $0 * free trial or through school
3. 3D Print - $15 * library
4. Model Engine - $100 * amazon
5. Arduino Board- $15 * amazon
6. Modification Kit- $15 * amazon
7. Motor- $10 * amazon
8. Extras (Paint, Decals…)- $10 *TBD
9. Total - $165
Conclusions
This full-functioning engineering project that my mentor and I have thought out is highly
ambitious for only approximately 17 weeks along with other high school obligations. I will have
to learn information that college students are and essentially conduct a full engineering project
by myself. Although the task before me is daunting, I believe that with dedication, no
procrastination, and the help of my mentor, I can achieve success. Not only will I end up with a
research paper and a fully functioning automated engine, I will also have culminated and
sharpened my skills in the practical applications of physics, chemistry, mechanics, electronics,
and programming.
The beauty of engineering is that every science and math can apply, because the
problems in this world are not limited. My ultimate goal with this project is to showcase the truth
of engineering to the world, and ultimately inspire them about the incredible future of space
exploration ahead.

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