Orbital Technologies Corporation — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: ORBITEC proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel cooling concept called Lattice Regener

Description

ORBITEC proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel cooling concept called Lattice Regenerative Cooling Methods (LRCM) for future high thrust in-space propulsion systems. Incorporation of ORBITEC's innovative lattice structures in the fabrication of thrust chambers for expander cycle engine systems will maximize the heat transfer into the coolant fluid, expand design options, enable substantial cost savings, and reduce lead times for component fabrication. Using rapid prototyping technology, the LRCM hybrid fabrication approach allows for the rapid casting of near-net shape metallic thrust chamber components. The lattice passages allow for turbulent flows through the cooling jacket which induces mixing in the coolant. During Phase I, monolithic chamber wall sections incorporating the LRCM lattice structure will be fabricated and tested in a hot-fire test conditions in ORBITEC's propulsion testing facilities.