Vishnu Aishwaryan Subra Mani
The goal of this project was to explore if human jump can be augmented using Cold Gas Propulsion System
The basis for this work started as a project for the Biomechanics and Robotics course. ​A spring mass system was developed in Abaqus to carry out a drop test simulation of human jumping. Rather than using a conventional ground up approach, the proposed work imparted an additional force during the rebound phase and the response of the model was studied accordingly. The added force value was calculated using a specified jump height.
The results of the Abaqus simulation showed promising results which motivated me to take up this project as a self funded work. I hypothesized that a cold gas propulsion system using a Convergent- Divergent nozzle would be optimum to achieve high force-to-weight ratio and a mathematical model of the nozzle proved such a design was practical. I created a design in Solidworks.
The practical dimensions and results helped me progress towards the nozzle manufacturing. The initial testing results from the nozzle showed insignificant data. The initial diagnosis showed that the error might be due to limited flow on the pressure regulator. Due to limited funding and time was unable to design/purchase a regulator.
After modelling the nozzle, a flow simulation was carried out in SolidWorks to test the nozzle parameters. The Mach number and the exit velocity obtained during the simulation was verified with the analytical model.
Software Used : Abaqus, MATLAB, SolidWorks Flow Simulation (CAD and simulation software)
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Machines Used : Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machines