Are you an EPFL student and looking for a semester credited, Bachelors or Masters Project ? Look no further! We have something for you!
If you can’t find your dream project down here, but have an idea or would like to suggest your own project to do with us, we are open to suggestions! Feel free to contact us and we can talk about it.
FALL SEMESTER 2022
COMPETITON PROJECT
RECOVERY
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The EPFL Rocket Team wants to test its electronics hardware in a simulated flight environment. Toward this objective, a vacuum centrifuge was designed to simulate the
pressure and acceleration changesoccuring during the flight of a rocket.
In this project, you will work with the designer of this centrifuge in the Recovery (RE) subsystem and the Flight Dynamics (FD) subsystem in order to implement a regulation and Human Machine Interface for the aforementioned apparatus.
On this test bench are three motors and controllers, one accelerometer and a barometer. Your goal will be to follow pressure and positive acceleration profiles given by the FD subsystem in order to
simulate the environment of a predefined trajectory.
The expected outcome of this project is to develop a human machine interface for this centrifuge, as well as a regulation algorithm to be able to match the pressure and acceleration asked for by the user.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [2 weeks]: Concept understanding
● [6 weeks]: Regulation
● [4 weeks]: Human Machine Interface Design
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Programming
● Regulation
● (Physics)
Contact: alexandre.chappuis@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
At the EPFL Rocket Team (ERT), the launch vehicles are opened during flight in order to deploy parachutes. This is done either using a mechanical coupler or by over pressuring the body and pushing on a piston. There are other ways to open a rocket, in particular frangible joint assemblies (FJA) (These are not only used in the aerospace industry).
During this semester project, you will do a case study on such
assemblies for application in the ERT including :
1. Feasibility study
2. Assembly dimensioning
3. Cost optimization
The outcome of this project will be to conduct a feasibility study
within reach of the ERT, a dimensioning of such an assembly
using authorized materials by the competition, as well as a cost
optimization on the manufacturing and material cost
perspective.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [6 weeks]: Feasability study
● [4 weeks]: Assembly dimentionnig
● [2 weeks]: Cost optimisation
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Mechanics
● Material science
Contact: alexandre.chappuis@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The EPFL Rocket Team (ERT), deploys parachutes
mid-flight.
A common problem during parachute deployment is
that they fail to exit their tube, or fail to inflate properly.
A mortar deployment system ensures the expulsion of
a payload – a parachute in our case – by firing an
explosive charge at the base of the system.
Once triggered, the parachute, that was packed
accordingly, will be propelled outside of its tube and
deploy immediately and not be reliant on the wind
conditions at altitude.
Last year, a mortar deployment system was
developed to attempt to solve this problem, and can
be manufactured and tested as a starting point for this
project.
The aforementioned deployment system needs to be
built, tested and iterated on. This means you will have
to learn the rudiments of machining and assembling.
The expected outcome of this project is a functional
design that could be integrated in one of the team’s
rockets. Some preliminary prototyping and testing
should have been done to verify that the idea
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [4 weeks]: Prototyping
● [4 weeks]: testing
● [4 weeks]: Design iteration
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Mechanics
● Machining
● Physics
Contact: alexandre.chappuis@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/2
STRUCTURE
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
As the EPFL rocket team works through the many stages of a cryogenic bi-liquid flight above 100 km, it becomes clear that a reliable structure and coupling system are needed to meet these new specifications. The airframe composed of CFRP can cause differences in thermal expansion that can cause matrix micro-cracking in the glue, and unexpected separation of the rocket’s airframe at metallic coupling point.
The system must be reliable and simple to assemble, as it’ll need to pass multiple assembly and de-assembly during integration tests before its flight. During and before the flight, the coupler will be constrained to different load cases, such as thermo-mechanical loading due to liquid oxygen fueling, the shock of parachute deployment, and thrust transmission from the engine to the rest of the airframe.
The expected outcome of this project is a design fulfilling the given requirement that is ready for manufacturing by the end of the semester.
Previous 6-inch couplers
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [7 weeks]: Research and first designs
● [3 weeks]: Pre-Preliminary design review :
simulations and calculations
● [4 weeks]: Post Preliminary design review :
finishing and possible correction
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Mechanical engineering
● Thermal engineering
● Material engineering
Contacts: alexandre.clement@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The EPFL Rocket Team each years manufactures its own airframe and rocket parts, but only limited itself to simulations and lab tests to verify that the final product matched the required specifications.
An additional step towards characterization of our production methods, to improve said methods and also verify our simulations would be to take in-flight measurements of the stresses applied on the rockets airframe as well as its modal frequency.
The goal of this project is to create a process flow for the production of a thin, piezoelectric, passive stress sensor that could be integrated within a rocket and take the aforementioned measurements.
These sensors shall be designed to match the teams production methods, shall be integrable within the rocket body, and shall be within reach of manufacture for the team.
The expected outcome of this project is a process flow that is ready to use to manufacture a sensor that can fulfill the given requirements
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [2 weeks]: Get up to speed with last year
design and whereabouts
● [5 weeks]: General research
● [4 weeks]: Design wrap-up
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Microfabrication
● General Microtechnics
● Electrical engineering
● Material engineering
● Mechanical engineering
Contacts: alexandre.clement@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
After a successful ascent and once reaching apogee, the Launch Vehicle has to separate in order to release its parachutes. This is done so that the rocket can be recovered safely back on the ground.
This Mechanism shall be able to handle all of the loads induced by a rocket flight, but also be able to separate reliably on command by the onboard electronics.
A first Mechanism was developed in 2020 (as seen in the figure here) for a 6-inch rocket body, which was later improved in 2021 specifically for a 4-in rocket body.
The goal of this project is to design a separation Mechanism for a 6-inch rocket that learns from both of the first 2 iterations of the system.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [7 weeks]: Research and first designs
● [3 weeks]: Pre-Preliminary design review :
simulations and calculations
● [4 weeks]: Post preliminary design review :
finishing and possible corrections of the
design
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Mechanical engineering
Contacts: alexandre.clement@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
FLIGHT DYNAMICS
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Slosh refers to the movement of a liquid inside another object (which is, typically, also in movement). The EPFL Rocket Team plans on using a biliquid engine for the 2023 competition. As a consequence of using a liquid fuel and liquid oxidizer, slosh inside the tanks does occur. This can lead to instabilities during the flight due to the movement of the center of mass of the rocket.
For this reason, it is critical for the team to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon as well as its consequences, as to avoid any catastrophic failure of the vehicle during launch.
A first exploration of the subject will be performed by the Payload subsystem during the 2022 competition which will attempt to reduce sloshing using foam like materials on top of the fluid contained within the tanks.
The goal of the project is to define a general methodology to investigate the issue and attempt a mitigation, as well as apply it to the rocket which will be used in the 2023 competition. The person taking this project will be expected to propose a device/method to mitigate the impact of sloshing in a rocket tank, to be used directly in a rocket from the team.
PROJECT UNFOLDING
● [3 weeks]: Research about slosh dynamics
● [8 weeks]: Development of the methodology
● [3 weeks]: Application of the methodology
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn)
● Fluid Mechanics
● CFD Simulations
Contact: theodore.maradan@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Wind tunnels are used to simulate aerodynamic effects that would affect an object. To do so, a flow of gas is accelerated from a rest state to a velocity simulating the one the object will experiment during its movement.
Supersonic wind tunnels are rare in Switzerland (and in Europe). For this reason, the EPFL Rocket Team decided to build one in-house. A first feasibility study was performed in the Spring semester 2022.
The goal of this project is to work on a second iteration of the wind tunnel’s design taking into account practical considerations. Several improvements should be implemented so that the flow of air through the tunnel is as representative as possible as the one the rocket will face during its flight. Moreover, the data retrieved from tests in the tunnel should be as accurate as possible.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [4 weeks]: General research
● [5 weeks]: Improvement of current design
● [3 weeks]: Implementation of new elements
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Fluid Mechanics (compressible flows)
● CFD Simulations
Contact: theodore.maradan@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Fin flutter is an aeroelastic instability which can affect fins in certain flight regimes. This phenomenon occurs when the structure in question reacts to a deformation caused by aerodynamic loads, ultimately creating an oscillation. This oscillation can reach critical levels leading to fracture or instability. Moreover, the aerodynamic properties of the fin are altered by its oscillatory movement.
For the reasons stated above, it is critical for us as a team to make sure that the fins used on the competition’s rocket are designed in such a way to avoid fin flutter, as it would result in a complete mission failure and could be dangerous for
operators during launch.
The goal of this project is to establish a methodology to investigate fin flutter and apply it to an existing set of fins.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [3 weeks]: Familiarization with the phenomenon
● [8 weeks]: Methodology definition
● [3 weeks]: Application of the methodology
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Fluid Mechanics (Aerodynamics)
● Simulations (CFD, FEA)
● Structural Mechanics
Contact: theodore.maradan@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Attitude control is the process of controlling the orientation of the rocket during its flight. Until now, only passive attitude control has been implemented on the competition’s rocket by the use of fins. However, such elements show their limits in certain flight regimes where phenomenons such as pitch-yaw-roll coupling may appear.
The long term goal of the team is to send a rocket into space. In this context, the development of active attitude control elements for future rockets is essential for the team.
The goal of this project is to design active attitude control elements and their implementation in an experimental rocket. Sensors will have to be chosen to detect the apparition of dynamical instabilities during the flight. The active attitude
control systems should, then, be able to correct it. This project will focus on aerodynamic attitude correction methods.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [3 weeks]: Research about attitude control
● [4 weeks]: Choice of sensors
● [7 weeks]: Design of active attitude control elements
SKILLS NEEDED (or willing to learn):
● Mechanical Design
● Aerodynamics
● Control
Contact: theodore.maradan@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
RESEARCH PROJECTS
ICARUS
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims for building thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to land upright at a specific location. We develop algorithms that guide and control the rocket during the descent phase, approach, and touchdown.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we look into the planning of descent trajectories, i.e., how to get from the apogee (highest point of flight) to the desired landing location: When should the engine be re-ignited? What control algorithm stabilizes the rocket motion? Should there be active or passive aerodynamic control surfaces?
The ideal outcome of the project is a complete strategy for descent including the implementation of optimal guidance and control algorithms and testing in simulation. Results of this project might even affect the mechanical design of the next rocket.
SKILLS NEEDED
- Optimal Control (MPC)
- Knowledge about flight mechanics/reference frames is a plus
- Experience in C++ and coding projects is a plus
- Familiarity with ROS (robot operating system) is a plus
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Laboratoire d’Automatique (Johannes Waibel)
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims for building thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to land upright at a specific location. We develop algorithms that guide and control the rocket during the descent phase, approach, and touchdown.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we would like to develop algorithms for safely adapting drone and rocket controllers online, i.e., while they are flying. This may involve classical & optimal control methods, or machine learning. Another approach is to conduct online identification, i.e., improve a model of the system, and use the identified model to derive controllers.
The ideal outcome of the project is a reliable tuning procedure that is thorougly tested in simulation and experimentally on a rocket-like drone. The resulting algorithm could later be applied to a 50kg hopper with a rocket engine.
SKILLS NEEDED (or that you are willing to learn)
- Classical and/or Optimal Control (MPC)
- Experience with Machine Learning methods is a plus
- Experience in C++ and coding projects is a plus
- Familiarity with ROS (robot operating system) is a plus
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Laboratoire d’Automatique (Johannes Waibel)
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims for building thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to land upright at a specific location. We develop algorithms that guide and control the rocket during the descent phase, approach, and touchdown.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we would like to develop algorithms for safely adapting drone and rocket controllers online, i.e., while they are flying. This may involve classical & optimal control methods, or machine learning. Another approach is to conduct online identification, i.e., improve a model of the system, and use the identified model to derive controllers.
The ideal outcome of the project is a reliable tuning procedure that is thorougly tested in simulation and experimentally on a rocket-like drone. The resulting algorithm could later be applied to a 50kg hopper with a rocket engine.
SKILLS NEEDED (or that you are willing to learn)
- Classical and/or Optimal Control (MPC)
- Experience with Machine Learning methods is a plus
- Experience in C++ and coding projects is a plus
- Familiarity with ROS (robot operating system) is a plus
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Laboratoire d’Automatique (Johannes Waibel)
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims to build thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to propulsively land. We develop our own Hopper style rocket featuring a gimbal module to direct the engine’s thrust. A first version of this module has been developed and is currently in manufacturing.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we would like to finish the manufacturing process and test our gimbal mechanism in order to characterize the performance of the mechanism and gradually upgrade it. This may involve manufacturing some of the part yourself, contact suppliers and professional workshops, as well as working on the electronics to communicate with the actuator and test the behavior. This project will be further refined as the testing process move forward and the student is expected to progressively upgrade the mechanism based on the lessons learned.
The ideal outcome of the project is a reliable and well characterized mechanism that has been upgraded with the least bottlenecks as possible. The resulting mechanism could later be used in a static fire of a 1kN rocket engine. The student is asked to commit to the EPFL rocket team for the entire year.
Static Fire of our previous Engine.
SKILLS NEEDED (or that you are willing to learn)
- Proeficiency in computer-aided design [CAD] (Solidworks).
- Previous experiences in leading the design , manufacturing and testing of a product.
- Experience in C++ and coding projects is a plus
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Unknown
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims to build thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to propulsively land. We develop our own Hopper style rocket featuring landing legs to absorb the landing impact.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we would like to size, build and test a scale down prototype of the current leg design in order to assess the performance and the behavior of the shock absorber. This project is based on a previous project where a first iteration of a leg module has been designed. On top of the prototype, several key works were identified to mainly refine the simulations and characterize the modal vibrations.
The ideal outcome of the project is a prototype thoroughly tested experimentally. The student is expected to iterate on the design based on the lessons learned in testing and in simulation. The student is asked to commit to the EPFL rocket team for the entire year.
Preliminary design of the Hopper Vehicle
SKILLS NEEDED (or that you are willing to learn)
- Proeficiency in computer-aided design [CAD] (Solidworks).
- Previous experiences in leading the design , manufacturing and testing of a product.
- Experiences in Finite Element Method Simulation
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Unknown
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
MOTIVATION
The EPFL Rocket Team aims to build thrust-vector-controlled rockets that can be reused by controlling them to propulsively land. We develop our own Hopper style rocket featuring using a gimbal module to control the pitch and yaw and are looking to develop a system to regulate and control the roll of the vehicle.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we would like to research and develop a state of the art mechanism to control the rotation along the vertical axis of the vehicle. This may involve a phase of research to evaluate and benchmark the different technical solutions followed by a preliminary design phase with appropriate simulations of the mechanism.
The ideal outcome of the project is a well-documented selection of the technical solution with a first full iteration of the design sized for a 70kg rocket Hopper. The resulting design could be later adapted in a prototype to be thoroughly tested and flown into the Hopper vehicle. The student will have the opportunity to continue his project through the second semester at EPFL Rocket Team.
Preliminary design of the Hopper Vehicle
SKILLS NEEDED (or that you are willing to learn)
- Proeficiency in computer-aided design [CAD] (Solidworks).
- Previous experiences in leading the design , manufacturing and testing of a product.
- Proeficiency in Matlab/Python
Contact: Icarus@epflrocketteam.ch
Supervisor: Unknown
Number of students: 0/1
HYPERION
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
With the Hyperion project, the EPFL Rocket Team is aiming to develop liquid rocket engines. To do that, the motor needs to be tested as much as possible, but one issue is the high sound level emitted during
the firing.
To counter this, a sound suppression system would have to be built. It consists of a water curtain that covers the flames in order to choke the sound caused by the combustion.
The goal of this project is to design and manufacture a sound suppression system. This would be a removable module that could be added to all test benches to reduce sound.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [4 weeks]: State of art, analysis
● [6 weeks]: Design
● [4 weeks]: Manufacture
SKILLS NEEDED:
● CAD design
● Fluid dynamics
● Practical work
Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
Huzel and Huang, Design_Of_Liquid_Propellant_Rocket_Engines NASA 1967.pdf
●Rocket_Propulsion_Elements_9th_Edition_by_Oscar_Biblarz_George_P._Sutton.pdf
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Rocket propulsion systems include a variety of hydraulic components such as fittings, tubing, valves, and injectors. The hydraulic characterization of those components, described by the relation between the pressure losses and the volumetric flow rate through each one of them, is often a consequent part of propulsion systems’ development and requires a lot of testing.
The goal of this project is to design, assemble, and tune a test stand capable of flowing water at a given flow rate or inlet pressure into hydraulic components while measuring pressure at multiple locations, thus allowing the components’ precise characterization.
Figure 1 – example of a rocket engine’s injector during a characterization test known as “coldflow”.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
| SKILLS NEEDED:
|
Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/2
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
With the Hyperion project, the EPFL Rocket Team is aiming to develop liquid rocket engines. A variant of a future engine aims to control the thrust of the engine, in order to be integrated in the future on a low altitude flight vehicle developed for training attitude control called “hopper”.
To control the thrust, ball valves are used and controlled in position by electric motors. The goal of this project is to develop the thrust control of the engine, as first step on a test bench. This project will build on the work done so far within the EPFL Rocket Team.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
|
|
Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
With the Hyperion project, the EPFL Rocket Team is aiming to develop liquid rocket engines. In near future, electric pumps will be used to inject the propellants in the combustion chamber.
The goal of this project is to design the electronic part of the pump. This includes the choice of the motor of the pump, the power supply, and the electronics to control the motor.
Different measures on the system will be to qualify it. Researches will be in the continuity of the previous works and semester projects on the pumps made within the EPFL Rocket Team.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
| SKILLS NEEDED:
|
Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Rocket motors usually use turbo pumps to pressurize and inject the liquid propellants into the combustion chamber. It allows optimization of weight compared to pressure-fed systems. The Hyperion project is researching and developing electric pumps that will power a future LOX/ethanol engine. Considering the shaft’s high rotating speed, standard sealing solutions such as O-rings or dynamic shaft seals cannot be used.
The goal of the project is to design the labyrinth seals of both LOX and ethanol pumps based on the performance requirements given for those systems. The student task is to make a trade-off between different seals geometry in order to pick one, design the seal using empirical relations and CFD, and provide a CAD model of the assembly. Important parameters to take into account are: Friction power losses, leaks rate, manufacture, and assembly.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
| SKILLS NEEDED:
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Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 0/1
PROJECT STATUS : FREE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
With the Hyperion project, the EPFL Rocket Team is aiming to develop liquid rocket engines. One of the developed engines will use ball valves to control the flow of propellants (fuel and oxidizer).
In the near future, the oxidizer used will be liquid oxygen (LO2), at a temperature of -180°C.
The goal of this project is to modify the mechanism of a general use ball valve, and adapt it to a cryogenic use. The valve will use an electric motor to rotate the valve. Also, tests and qualifications will be performed with liquid Nitrogen on the valve.
PROJECT STATUS : TAKEN
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
With the Hyperion project, the EPFL Rocket Team is aiming to develop liquid rocket engines, and the next one will be integrated in a rocket. For this purpose, ground support equipment is needed.
This is an essential element for the rocket to take off.
The goal of this project is to design a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for the competition rocket of 2023.
This includes all the piping for filling and disconnection of the vehicle, the electronics to control filling of propellants and safety related tasks, and finally the integration with the teams launch rail and the mechanical support for the propellant bottles.
PROJECT UNFOLDING:
● [2 weeks]: State of the art, analysis
● [12 weeks]: Design of the system, the
electronics and programming
SKILLS NEEDED:
● CAD
● Fluid dynamics
● Electronics, PCB design
● Mechanical intuition
● Programming
Contact: leonard.bongiovanni@epfl.ch
Supervisor: TBD
Number of students: 1/1
EPFL ROCKET TEAM
ASSOCIATION
No Association wide project this semester!