Horizontal Test Stand
Spawning from the need to make tests faster and easier to set up and tear down, HTS was born as a design evolution of the now obsolete Vertical Test Stand (VTS). Benefits over VTS include longer term testing capabilities, modular construction ensuring adaptability, more accurate tests due to the static nature of the fluids routing, and faster and simpler assembly (1 hour vs. 4+ hours).
The current fluid systems configuration delivers liquid nitrous oxide oxidizer, liquid isopropyl alcohol fuel, and high pressure nitrogen but can be quickly configured to a variety of other storable liquid propellants. Valves are actuated via servo motors, solenoids, and pneumatics and data collection is captured via thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, flow meters, and load cells. Main operations during testing are accomplished remotely through the auto-sequence data acquisition and control.
HTS was designed with safety and modularity in mind and enables the team’s tests to run smoother, quicker, and with higher accuracy.
Test Stand Overview
A Modular Approach
- Tank Stand
- Thrust Weldment
- Propellant Panel
- Pneumatics Panel
- Blast Shield
- Engine Mounting
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Containing the run tanks, secure storage for gas cylinders, fill and pressurization capabilities, the tank stand provides all of the necessary consumables to the stand and auxiliary capabilities.
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Featuring ASTM A513 square steel tubing, the structures of HTS are capable of withstanding up to a 10,000 lbf thrust liquid engine built to NASA's GSE safety standards.
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The propellant feed panel contains the prevalves and flow meters for the propellants as they flow into the engine. Half inch diameter lines allow for high flow rates capable of providing enough propellant for a 10,000 lbf thrust engine. Also on top of the stand sits a fully automatic FireX system that can be activated locally or remotely in the event of a fire on the stand.
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The pneumatics panel provides high pressure nitrogen to actuate main oxidizer and fuel valves and oxidizer pre-valves. Pneumatic actuation is done through the use of solenoid and servo acutated valves to provide complete autonomous control over the stand.
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The blast shield protects the tank stand from the rest of HTS. The shield is designed to protect from flying debris and/or explosive incidents to minimize the amount of damage from a failure.
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HTS is capable of mounting a variety of engine and engine sizes meaning that it not only can accommodate current engines but also engines designed in the future.
Facts & Figures:
| 10,000 lbf | 140 lbm |
|---|---|
| The maximum thrust rating engine that can be tested on HTS | Total weight of HTS without the inclusion of fluids or concrete anchoring |
| 52"x24"x24" | 1 hour |
| The total size of HTS is a manageable package able to be shipped easily | The amount of time to fully set up HTS (down from over 4 hours) |
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