Mk.IV
BURPG’s record-breaking hybrid engine and a priority step towards the hybrid spaceshot rocket
Mk.IV
The Mk.IV hybrid motor uses hydroxl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a fuel and nitrous oxide (N2O) as an oxidizer. The motor was designed for 2,500 pounds of thrust at sea level and up to 2,800 pounds of thrust in vacuum. The engine went through a rigorous testing campaign, completing two cold flow and two hot fire tests. Mk.IV was the fourth installment of the Mk series and was set to fly on the Quasar launch vehicle.
When it was designed and fired, Mk.IV broke the record for the most powerful hybrid engine ever developed by a university, adding to BURPG’s pedigree of making top-level engines. Mk.IV served as an incredible accomplishment on BURPG’s path towards a hybrid space shot.
Engine Overview
High Performance Hybrid
Mk.IV is one of the most efficient hybrid engines ever tested. It achieved 99% of theoretical performance and generated 2,610 lbs of thrust when it was tested. Using a wagon wheel stacked solid fuel grain design helps with manufacturing and performance.
Designed for Flight
Mk.IV features many performance gaining features that pave the way for future BURPG projects. A lean nozzle design gives a lightweight option optimized for flight and chilled nitrous gives higher density and performance.
Facts & Figures:
| 2,610 lbf | 8.3 in |
|---|---|
| Mk.IV's measured thrust during its hotfire test | The diameter of the Mk.IV engine is designed for the Quasar vehicle |
| 99% | 12 sec |
| Mk.IV's high efficiency helped break the record for the most powerful hybrid developed by a university | A twelve second burn time was carefully chosen to maximize Quasar's altitude |
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