Rocket Propulsion Lab

Description: 

The Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) is an experimental laboratory where research in aerospace propulsion is carried out, particularly in the field of chemical rockets. Prof. Pastrone founded the RPL in 2023, to create a stable structure capable of gathering, catalyzing, and consolidating skills within the Aerospace Propulsion research group of the DIMEAS. Furthermore, the establishment of the laboratory allowed for the creation of an open workspace devoted to discussion and problem-solving, very dynamic and flexible, for the involved researchers, PhD students, and thesis students. The work initially focused on the experimental activities related to a POC (Proof Of Concept) project, funded by the Compagnia di San Paolo, for the development of an innovative patented process for the production of solid propellants. Subsequently, the laboratory’s equipment was improved and expanded, allowing for other experimental activities, such as the development of test benches and prototypes

Research topics:

1. Innovative production process for composite solid rocket propellants based on additive manufacturing and UV-curing. The laboratory works to raise the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of the proposed production process, based on a patent developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Milan. The laboratory is equipped with an UV-curing station, in addition to the necessary measuring instruments (e.g., radiometer, viscometer, analytical balance). The main activity concerns the development of innovative prototypes for the deposition of the propellant mixtures, called slurry, made of an inert substitute.

   Rotary viscometer	UV curing station	3D Printer

   The research was funded with the contribution of the “Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo” within the competitive calls “PoC Instrument Launchpad” and “PoC Transition” 2022-2024

   Research Articles:

   • “Solid Rocket Propellant Photo-Polymerization with an In-House LED-UV Prototype”, Galavotti, A.; Noè, C.; Polizzi, G.; Antonaci, P.; Maggi, F.; Masseni, F.; Pastrone, D., in MDPI POLYMERS, 15:7(2023), p. 1633. [10.3390/polym15071633]
   • “Rheological and Mechanical Characterization of 3D-Printable Solid Propellant Slurry”, Zumbo, A.; Stumpo, L.; Antonaci, P.; Ferrero, A.; Masseni, F.; Polizzi, G.; Tetti, G.; Pastrone, D., in MDPI POLYMERS, 16:5 (2024), p. 576. [10.3390/polym16050576]
2. Resonant igniter. The laboratory works on the performance analysis of resonant igniters suitable for liquid and hybrid rocket engines. The laboratory is equipped with an experimental test bench for the characterization of the igniters, instrumented with pressure and temperature sensors, and state of the art NI acquisition cards.
   Research Articles:
   • “Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Different Internal Surface Features on Additive-Manufactured Resonant Igniters Performance”, Conte, A.; Gedda, G.; Lerda, S.; Masseni, F.; Ferrero, A.; Marchese, G.; Pastrone, D., accettato per la pubblicazione in ACTA ASTRONAUTICA, 2024.