Citadel
Aimed to bring down the cost and R&D time of propulsion projects, Citadel is a rapidly modular, gaseous propellant test stand capable of testing engines up to 1,500 lbf of thrust
Citadel
Citadel is a modular, gaseous-propellant test stand designed to lower the cost of entry to propulsion projects on the team. Engines on the team have been largely dominated by large sizes, large costs, and long development cycles. Citadel directly combats this motion.
With a unique modular design with swappable fluid panels, variable feed systems, and changeable mounting configurations, Citadel can test a plethora of different engines. From mono-propellants to bi-propellants, from heat-sink engines to regen-cooled igniters, from gas generators to gimballed engines, Citadel is built to support it.
Citadel was designed in the summer of 2018 and its current configuration is built to support the gaseous methane and gaseous oxygen heat-sink engine known as Mortise. Mortise will test unique propulsion technologies and the viability of gaseous propellants as auxiliary propulsion fuels and oxidizers.
While Citadel won’t test any engines that will primarily power a launch vehicle, Citadel is booked with tests for auxiliary propulsion technologies such as gas generators, igniters, and cold flow tests in order to bolster BURPG’s already impressive propulsion pedigree.
Test Stand Overview
Rapid Propulsion Development
- Engine Mounting
- Swappable Feed Panels
- CO2 FireX System
- Configurable Battery
- Easy Transportation
- Blast Shield
- Outriggers
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Citadel is capable of mounting engines with a variety of mounting options, mounting angles, and feed locations. This flexibility means that most engines developed by BURPG can be tested on Citadel but also are capable of gimballing to ±35° of gimbal angle.
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In Citadel's original configuration, propellants and pneumatics could be fed at a variety of flow rates and pressures for gaseous methane, gaseous oxygen, and gaseous nitrogen. However, if a test article doesn't fit with this configuration, Citadel's panels can be swapped meaning any gaseous testpiece can be tested easily.
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To combat the higher possibility that a fire can break out on the stand due to using gaseous propellants, Citadel has a fully functioning carbon dioxide fire suppression system that can manually or automatically be triggered.
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Citadel doesn't depend on a set amount of propellant being present in run tanks. Using standard K-sized gas cylinders, longer and shorter durations tests can be configured by simply adding or subtracting cylinders.
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Citadel is built on four casters and a foldable design. Citadel can be wheeled out to a transport truck, transported to the test site, and installed in a matter of minutes. Citadel is capable of transferring 1,500 lbf of thrust into HTS' concrete supports.
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In the case of a fire or overpressurization on the stand, a blast shield is specifically designed to prevent damage from reaching the battery.
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To prevent roll-over or unwanted vibrations from occuring in the stand due to gimbal angles or combustion instabilities, Citadel features foldable outriggers to give added support during a test.
Facts & Figures:
| 1,500 lbf | ±35° Angle |
|---|---|
| Citadel is built to test engines that produce up to 1,500 lbf of thrust | In order to test gimbal thrust vector control, Citadel can gimbal an engine ±35° |
| NASA Standards | Gaseous |
| Citadel is not only compliant with NASA's standards for ground support equipment but also oxygen safety | Gaseous propellants provide a rapid development cycle for members who want to get their feet wet in propulsion |
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