Hi All -
We are currently looking for a suitable location to test our to be developed
500 lbf LOX/Kerosene pressure fed engine and I was wondering if I could ask a
few questions regarding what to look for in a test site:
- Is there a rough calculation to determine the size of the explosion that
would occur in the event of a hard start given the engine size and propellants
(eg. 500 LBF LOX/Kerosene)? I'd like to use this to ensure that the test
location has sufficient space in the event of an accident.
- Is it possible to roughly estimate the decibel level of sound produced by
a test stand engine firing horizontally. Basically, I’d like to have a way to
ensure that whatever location we test at will not generate too much noise for
anyone in the near area. I realize this depends on how far the sound is able to
travel as well but getting a general idea of decibel levels would help us
figure this out.
- We were thinking of using a shipping container to test the engine from.
The container would be open on at least one side with the divergent part of the
nozzle pointing out towards the open side. We had the idea from a recent
Copenhagen Suborbital test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K61xY_v84mE&feature=youtu.be. It offers the ;
benefit of having a semi-permanent place to keep the test stand, it can be
secured while not in use, would help limit damage if there was a spontaneous
disassembly. Where I’m a bit concerned is the amount of vibration, noise and
things bouncing back and forth off the walls as well as any potentially
explosive gas mixtures getting trapped in the container. Also, I’m a bit on the
fence as to whether this would make any propellant spills (a) easier to cleanup
since they would be on the floor of the container or (b) more dangerous because
it would pool inside the container.
- In the event there is a fire I’m trying to figure out the best way to
extinguish it. Would an automated suppression system (eg. some sort of
sprinkler inside the crate) or is it enough to have a powerful house or... is
it better to just let it burn out considering the difficulties of an oxygen
enriched environment. In other words what level of equipment would need to be
on hand.
- I'm assuming concrete is a good surface for a test on in case of any
propellant spills.
- Other points to consider?
Many thanks as always for your advice.
Kind Regards,Graham
