Researchers at Wichita State University, along with Kansas State University and the University of Kansas, received a subcontract as part of a $127,000 grant from NASA to design a method of 3D printing a hybrid engine that powers unmanned space mission vehicles.
The project seeks to develop a design framework for 3D-printable hybrid internal combustion engines to power unmanned aerial vehicles on both Mars and Earth missions.
A K-State professor’s Multifunctional Structures Lab is responsible for designing and simulating an electromagnetic linear generator integrated with the engine to provide electrical power while maximizing system efficiency.
This one-year project, led by Wichita State University, is a collaborative effort between three Kansas universities — Wichita State, Kansas State University and the University of Kansas; three industry partners — KalScott Engineering, Brij Systems and Aerojet Rocketdyne; and the NASA Glen Research Center.
The team expects these early efforts to pave the way for long-term sustained collaboration, STEM outreach events and future funding opportunities.
Source: KSU release