Rocket Injector & Pressure Vessel

As lead of the pressure-vessel team, I designed a TIG-welded stainless steel beer-keg. Initially rated for 60 PSI, we modified it to hold 55 PSI for extended periods with no leaks.

Working closely with our injector co-leads, I ensured full CAD/FEM compatibility between the vessel and our impinging injector assembly, enabling cold-flow validation of our final design (17% pressure drop, 0.89 discharge coefficient).

Cold-flow tests at 55 PSI showed Iteration 4's injector (black injector) produced large droplets and a cohesive stream, whereas Iteration 5 (white injector) delivered the desired mist-like spray – exactly the atomization we were aiming for. This was also verified with CFD of the different impinging injectors.

This project involved extensive use of CAD modeling, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and hands-on fabrication including TIG welding of the pressure vessel components.