Propulsion
The Propulsion Discipline is responsible for delivering and supporting the engines that power vehicles across all GTSC programs. This includes running rigorous engine testing campaigns to verify performance and reliability. Data from these tests feed into student-built computational models that help the team predict and refine engine behavior. In addition to testing, the team also leads engine development efforts, modifying and optimizing off-the-shelf jet engines to push the boundaries of performance for our vehicles.
Shown below are the subteams within the Propulsion Discipline and the various projects within them!
Subteams
The Engine Development team is responsible for modifying and optimizing the engines that GTSC receives. This includes the development of a flight-ready afterburner that will fuel our supersonic ambitions. Furthermore, we optimize nozzle geometries of COTS engines in order to output more thrust. The Engine Dev team is operating at the forefront of what is possible for students to work on outside of research applications, and we are always interested in new, ambitious members to join the team.
The Engine Testing team is in charge of developing the engine testing capabilities for all the engines GTSC has, as well as the component tests for various custom parts we design. As one of the only student-led teams in the world working with modifying and testing air-breathing jet engines, the engine testing team is pushing the boundaries of what is possible for students to work on during their time in college.
Projects
The Riot Afterburner team is responsible for designing the first ground test capable afterburner made entirely by a student team for a micro-turbojet.
GTSC was fortunate enough to receive donations of JetCat P100 engines from our sponsor, ASDL, who used the engines to compete in the Air Force's Aerospace Propulsion Outreach Program, or APOP. GTSC uses these engines to build out our workflow and processes to test larger, more powerful engines.