- Fabricated Swagelok and AN tubing lines for cryogenic service, performed hydrostatic proof testing to 1.5x MEOP per SMC-S-016, oxygen-cleaned all hardware per NASA-STD-1740.15, and assembled the feed system plumbing.
- Built test stand structural framework, installed tubing and valve supports, and designed and fabricated custom propellant tank support plates.
- Updated test stand purge system to mitigate choked flow by sizing, selecting, and integrating new isolation valves
- Acted as Test Conductor for two kerosene/liquid-oxygen engine campaigns involving leak checks (per NASA-STD-7012), cold-flow tests, and hot-fire operations on a cryogenic feed system.
- Responsibilities included handling high-pressure GN₂ bottles, manually setting regulator pressures, and performing cryogenic system operations.
- Conducted three hot fires with LPL’s Jessie & James engine (540 lbf, ablatively cooled) and one hot fire with the Nomad engine (675 lbf, copper heatsink chamber).
- Analyzed test data to establish regulator set pressures satisfying injector inlet pressure constraints and to identify optimal valve actuation timings throughout the ignition sequence.
- Co-author of a research paper published with the International Astronautics Congress (IAC) in 2025 analyzing the effects of thermal conditioning on startup transients in kerosene/liquid-oxygen engines. (add citation)
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Bipropellant Test Stand Development and Operation
Project Timeline
Jan 2025 - Current
OVERVIEW
Developed, constructed, and operated Atlas Dev 2, USC LPL's cryogenic bipropellant test stand capable of a combined 26 lb/s mass flow at a max expected operating pressure (MEOP) of 1500 psig.
HighlightS
- Acted as test conductor for 4 successful hot fire tests
- Resized purge valves, enabling full engine purge after pre-chill and hot fires
- Co-authored research paper analyzing effects of thermal conditioning on startup transients
SKILLS
Fluid Systems DevelopmentTesting ProceduresCryogenics and High Pressure HandlingData Analysis
Additional Details
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