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Thermal Performance Analysis of Custom Jet Vanes for Thrust Vector Control

Project Overview

This project focused on analyzing the thermal performance of jet vane materials exposed to rocket exhaust conditions. The goal was to determine the most suitable aerospace-grade material for thrust vector control (TVC) applications, ensuring high thermal resistance, durability, and consistent performance during multiple launches.

Objectives

  • Analyze the thermal distribution of jet vane materials under simulated rocket exhaust conditions.

  • Compare multiple candidate materials to determine their suitability for thrust vector control.

  • Validate the robustness of vane performance across different operating scenarios.

Approach & Methodology

  • Heat Transfer Analysis: Applied convective and conductive heat transfer principles to model thermal distribution.

  • Material Selection: Evaluated three aerospace-grade materials: Copper, Inconel 718, and Aluminum.

  • Data Collection: Compiled thrust duration, vane geometry, and material properties into structured Excel models.

  • Simulation:

    • Simulated convective heat transfer at h = 250 W/m²·K.

    • Performed sensitivity studies with h = 175 and 235 W/m²·K to assess robustness.

  • Validation: Confirmed cooling trends and temperature distribution consistency across vane length to reduce deformation risks.

Results and Impact

  • Material Performance: Copper and Inconel 718 demonstrated superior thermal resistance (~2900 K average).

  • Reliability: Uniform temperature distribution reduced deformation risks, ensuring vane stability during multiple launches.

  • Analytical Insights: Excel-based modeling validated consistent cooling trends with distance.

  • Robustness: Sensitivity analysis confirmed performance reliability under varied operating conditions.

Design and Development of a Load-Cell Test Stand for Measuring Jet Vane Forces

Project Overview

This project involved designing and developing a load-cell-based test stand to measure thrust forces generated by jet vane thrust vector control systems. The aim was to create a stable, modular, and accurate testing platform that enables validation of different vane geometries and materials.

Objectives

  • Develop a safe and stable apparatus to test jet vane thrust vector control systems.

  • Accurately measure thrust forces across different vane designs.

  • Expand the testing platform’s applicability for both academic and industrial use.

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