A University of Texas at Arlington engineering researcher is leading an interdisciplinary project to make rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) more efficient, compact and powerful for in-space propulsion.
Liwei Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), will lead the $900,000 project.
"Inside an RDRE, detonation waves spin around in a circle at supersonic speeds. Compared to conventional engines that rely on regular combustion, an RDRE has theoretically higher efficiency and can be made smaller and more compact," Zhang said. "Our work will focus on the component level, evaluating injectors, combustors and nozzles. We will also study system-level configurations for testing. It's a collaborative effort involving theoretical analyses, computational simulations and experimental measurements to assess and improve the performance of this type of engine."
The goal of the work is to develop more efficient propulsion systems for space travel, sending people to explore the moon and beyond. UTA's grant is part of NASA's MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research, which supports its Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) by fostering and increasing minority-serving institutions' participation in research and technology development concepts that align with the agency's needs for upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. The agency awarded nine institutions a total of more than $8 million to carry out their projects.
"When we return humans to the Moon, it will be thanks to the creativity and dedication of researchers across the nation," said Walt Engelund, deputy associate administrator for programs in STMD. "We're proud to partner with the Office of STEM Engagement to foster the future of technology development and create opportunities for these institutions to contribute to NASA's Artemis missions."
UTA co-investigators are Frank Lu, professor in MAE, and Grace Brannon and Monica Mengqi Zhan, assistant professors in the Department of Communication. The team will test the project in UTA's Aerodynamics Research Center, founded by Lu and the late Don Wilson, a former professor in MAE.
"Frank played a pivotal role in securing this grant through his expertise in detonation engines," Zhang said.
Lu said he is "glad to be recognized by NASA for our expertise in rotating detonation engines that can play a role in this game-changing technology. It is also gratifying that NASA recognizes UTA as an institution at the forefront of engagement in underrepresented communities."
Part of the grant includes outreach to K-16 students, including a component aimed at mentoring those from underrepresented communities and helping them establish careers in the space industry.
"We want younger people to understand that there are ways for them to enter this track," Zhang said. "If you have an interest, follow your heart."
Zhang speaks from experience. As a girl growing up in a small town in central China, she said she was subtly told that her interests in math and science were misplaced. While in college and graduate school, she was many times the only female in her study group or classroom.
"How we communicate educational goals early on in the K-16 education system can have a huge impact on students' self-efficacy and even educational attainment," said Brannon, who is a first-generation college student herself.
Zhang said the education program draws on years of extensive teamwork research on diversity.
"We are committed to breaking down barriers by implementing interventions that challenge stereotypes and prejudices," she said. "Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that enhances the teamwork experiences of underrepresented minority students and researchers, ultimately bolstering retention rates and fostering innovation."
Erian Armanios, MAE chair and professor, praised the project as an example of innovative research paired with community outreach components.
"It's inspiring to witness Liwei's ability to involve so many constituents of UTA," Armanios said. "Not only is this on the cutting edge of space travel, but it is also bound to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in this exciting field. Harnessing the talents of our diverse UTA community strengthens the project itself and helps grow a stronger University."
