project-highlight-image

Propellant Injector Valves

hero-image

Alex Pacheco

Project Timeline

Sep 2025 - Current

OVERVIEW

Designed and validated two coaxial sleeve valves for use on Waterloo Rocketry's 2026 Rocket, Polaris. Increased flow rate through the injector valves by 40% will reducing mass by 60% and simultaneously reducing footprint. Performed stress analysis to ensure reliable operation for fluid pressures up to 800 psi. Performed force balance calculations in order to ensure reliable sealing and opening of both valves at various working pressures. Developed test procedure to characterize pressure drop across coaxial sleeve valves and used the data to inform valve sizing. Validated the valves through high pressure hydrostatic and pneumostatic testing.

HighlightS

  • Increased flow rate by 40%
  • Decreased mass by 60%

SKILLS

CAD DesignFluid Systems DesignStress AnalysisTest Procedure Development
Home
Questions?
hero-image

Alex Pacheco

Chemical Engineering Student & Operations Lead

I'm a chemical engineering student at the University of Waterloo with hands-on experience in high-pressure systems design, propulsion testing, and laboratory operations. As Operations Lead at Waterloo Rocketry, I develop P&IDs for complex systems and coordinate large-scale test campaigns. My technical foundation spans CAD design, fluid systems analysis, and programming, with proven ability to optimize designs for performance and safety while managing cross-functional teams.