The Variable Engine Test Stand aims to test new small-scale engines. This test stand is rapidly deployable and intended for faster data collection and experiments. 

The VEGAS Test Stand is a pressure-fed system that consists of purge, oxidizer, and fuel lines.  The stand uses Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer, ethane as the fuel, and GN2 as purge. The purge line is in the center, the oxidizer line is on the left, and the fuel line is on the right. The K-bottles that contain the fluids are in front of the test stand fluids system.

As a member of the fluids routing team, I designed the routing system and organized the placement of the solenoid valves, check valves, pneumatic valves, pipes, and other components based on the P&ID. The fluids routing is placed on an aluminum sheet mounted on the test stand structure. 

The purge line actuates the pneumatic valves that open the fuel and oxidizer lines to the engine. The oxidizer lines are 1/2 inch in diameter, and the fuel lines are 1/4 inch in diameter, allowing for an OF ratio of 4. The oxidizer and fuel lines are controlled by pneumatic ball valves, which are activated by purge lines controlled by pilot solenoids. The purge line also includes a pressure regulator that decreases the pressure of the incoming GN2. Filters are also placed on the fuel and oxidizer lines to prevent debris from traveling through the pipes. Finally, each valve is mounted on 3D-printed mounts. After routing and design, I presented a CDR along with my teammates, justifying my design choices.

This project introduced me to fluids design and theory and allowed me to learn valves and components. However, the scope of the Variable Engine Test Stand project was changed to better accommodate the team's budget and resources. The new engine is designed for nitrous and IPA as opposed to nitrous and ethane.  

The fluid lines were routed using SolidWorks Routing. I aimed to avoid drastic pipe bending, as well as mount the components on an aluminum sheet in a simple, symmetric design.