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AUTUMN 2026
Status: Available | Team: Flight Dynamics | Contact: rafael.boisel@epfl.ch
Students examine vortex formation at tank outlets using CFD to prevent mass flow instabilities affecting propulsion systems.
Key Tasks:
- Literature review on empirical vortex approaches
- Design tank countermeasures
- Run transient CFD simulations accounting for liquid and gas phases
- Compare simulations with empirical data
Skills required: CFD simulations, fluid dynamics, fluid-structure interaction
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Flight Dynamics | Contact: rafael.boisel@epfl.ch
Students will verify mechanical models through CFD simulations of fluid movement in rocket tanks during acceleration, designing countermeasures like baffles.
Key Tasks:
- Literature review on sloshing methods
- Design and simulate tank countermeasures
- Post-process and validate against empirical approaches
- Document findings
Skills required: CAD design, CFD simulations, fluid dynamics, fluid-structure interaction
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Structure | Contact: gabriel.mollet@epfl.ch
Develop lighter, more rigid fin attachment clamps meeting aerospace standards, validated through both simulation and experimental testing.
Key Tasks:
- Review existing clamp limitations and mechanical requirements
- CAD design multiple geometries for mass reduction and stiffness
- FEM analysis including modal and structural analysis
- Machine prototypes and conduct static/modal testing
- Compare experimental results with simulations
Skills required: Modal analysis, practical testing, FEM simulations, ANSYS Mechanical
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Structure | Contact: gabriel.mollet@epfl.ch
Establish procedures for experimental modal analysis and FE model updating using non-destructive testing on rocket structural segments.
Key Tasks:
- Define experimental modal analysis methodology using accelerometers
- Perform testing on provided rocket assembly
- Establish FE model correction approach
- Iteratively update ANSYS models until accuracy criteria are met
Skills required: Structural dynamics, modal analysis, practical testing, FEM simulations, ANSYS Mechanical
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Structure | Contact: gabriel.mollet@epfl.ch
Redesign and test pyrocutter-based parachute separation systems to operate reliably at extreme altitudes (up to 100 km) with rigorous aerospace-standard validation.
Key Tasks:
- Review and analyze existing documentation
- Redesign mechanism in SolidWorks for improved reliability and mass reduction
- Study NASA/ESA testing methodologies
- Machine test fixtures for extreme environment simulation
- Conduct tests and document results
Skills required: CAD design, machining
Timeline: 11–14 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Propulsion | Contact: sven.profichet@epfl.ch
Extensively test and improve torch igniter design for reliable Liquid Oxygen/Ethanol propulsion system operation.
Key Tasks:
- Review existing design and prior test data
- Design test experiment
- Test igniter at ERT Testing Facility
- Analyze behavior and improve design
Skills required: Testing, fluid mechanics, machining, problem-solving
Timeline: 12–13 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Propulsion | Contact: sven.profichet@epfl.ch
Continue preliminary design of a 15 kN thrust chamber for the 30 km altitude objective, optimizing cooling systems and additive manufacturing compatibility.
Key Tasks:
- Review existing design from prior bachelor project
- Improve regenerative cooling system
- Run thermomechanical simulations
- Prepare critical design tailored for additive manufacturing
Skills required: CAD design, fluid mechanics simulation, rocket propulsion
Timeline: 14–15 weeks
Status: Taken | Team: Propulsion | Contact: sven.profichet@epfl.ch
Test and qualify a dynamic ball valve pressure regulator prototype for integration into the Firehorn 2 launch vehicle, addressing nitrogen pressurization of propellant tanks.
Key Tasks:
- Review design and previous test data
- Prepare test bench approximating launch vehicle configuration
- Test regulator extensively at ERT Testing Facility
- Analyze behavior and improve controller and mechanical design
Skills required: Testing, control systems, fluid mechanics, machining
Timeline: 13–14 weeks
Status: Available | Contact: joseph.spender@epfl.ch
Design and build a vibration testing rig to qualify plasma thrusters under launch-representative dynamic loads with standalone operation capability.
Key Tasks:
- Research and analyze dynamic loads experienced during rocket launch
- Design complete vibration rig system (control electronics, actuators, mechanical design, sensors, interfaces)
- Qualify and validate finished system
Skills required: Electronics, CAD, control systems, space propulsion
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Available | Contact: joseph.spender@epfl.ch | Supervisor: Jean Michelle Sallese
Design, build, and qualify power electronics for a hollow cathode electron gun, covering circuit architecture, component selection, PCB assembly, and vacuum qualification.
Key Tasks:
- Define PPU circuit architecture for hollow cathode requirements
- Select electronic components based on performance specifications
- Assemble and qualify PCB
- Document work thoroughly
Skills required: Electronic circuit design, PCB design, vacuum proof technology
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Available | Contact: joseph.spender@epfl.ch
Create a versatile mechanical interface integrating a hollow cathode electron gun into a thrust measurement platform with potential HET adaptation.
Key Tasks:
- Review existing test bench mechanical constraints
- Study vacuum requirements
- Design custom mounts and adapters
- Conduct FEM analysis
- Prototype and manufacture final parts
Skills required: Structural mechanics, CAD, FEM analysis, prototyping
Timeline: 14 weeks
Status: Available | Contact: joseph.spender@epfl.ch
Fabricate, assemble, and qualify a custom vacuum-compatible interface for plasma thruster testing, including machining, electrical/fluidic connections, and aerospace standards benchmarking.
Key Tasks:
- Design electrical interface
- Design plumbing system
- Design user interface for testing
- Conduct literature review benchmarking against aerospace standards
- Manufacture and verify all components
Skills required: CAD, electronics, rocketry plumbing, manufacturing
Timeline: 12 weeks
Status: Taken | Contact: joseph.spender@epfl.ch
Design a gas delivery system and injector for a Hall Effect Thruster, optimizing for weight, size, and gas volume in the chamber.
Key Tasks:
- Develop thruster plumbing system
- Design gas injector
- Prototype and test system
Skills required: Fluid mechanics, CAD, plumbing, prototyping
Timeline: 14 weeks