E NGLISH 2100
Final project: Portfolio
Brandon Corwin
Ms. D
December 2, 2012
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………..pg. 1
Technical Definition……………………………………………………………………......pg. 2
Technical Description………………………………………………………………………pg. 3-4
Job Listing………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 5-6
Cover Letter………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 7
Resume……………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 8
1
What is a “Rocket Scientist?”
My purpose is to provide insight into the ever
changing world of aeronautical engineering. With the
collapse of the NASA space program, getting into space has
moved to the private sector. Private companies such as
Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Starchaser Industries are all
working on developing craft that can take the average person
into space. Space travel will be common place in the near
future.
Aeronautics comes from the greek word “aero” or air
and the word “nautique,” of ships.
Aeronautical Engineering is a branch of engineering
science concerned with the design and construction of
aircraft. This field is similar to mechanical engineering.
However, their differences are in their specialties.
Aeronautics focuses on aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the
study of shapes and their resistance to friction caused by the
atmosphere. Aeronautics also deals with propulsion (engine),
lightweight materials and material strength.
This Diagram is an example of
what type of designing that an
aeronautical engineer might do.
This is a cut away diagram of an
oxygen fueled rocket booster
that is used on satellites. It is
used for propulsion.
Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering
that has a broader scope of understanding in the field.
Aeronautics focuses on a single aspect while mechanical
engineering covers multiple areas of knowledge. In any case,
the proper description of a Rocket Scientist is anyone that is
involved in the design, construction or launch of a vehicle
that is designed for space travel.
The individuals that work on projects like these have
a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields.
Physics: A science dealing with the physical nature of things
as they are subjected to properties that control our universe.
Electronics: A science that specializes in the properties of
electricity. Astrology: This is the study of stars and our
position in the Universe. Last but not least is the study of
Engineering. This field of study is used to design a product
that will perform according to the specifications required by
the other sciences research.
Digital renderings made from
data collected during tests show
how the air moves over an air
frame. The different colors
represent temperature change due
to friction.
2
Rocket Propulsion Technology
How it works
Typical rocket propulsion consists of a reaction wherein both the fuel and the oxidizer, generating the
hot gases expended through a nozzle, are carried as part of the rocket engine. Specifically, rocket propulsion
differs from jet propulsion in that jet propulsion utilizes atmospheric air as an oxidizer, whereas rocket
propulsion utilizes nitric acid or a similar compound as an oxidizer.
There are three different types of propulsion systems utilized for non-atmospheric conditions (space):
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Plasma Propulsion Systems (PPS)
Mono Propulsion Systems (MPS)
Unified Propulsion Systems (UPS)
Skills required
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System and Propulsion Engineering.
Propulsion Function Analysis.
Propulsion design, manufacturing and test.
Plasma Propulsion Systems
1. Propellant is fed into a chamber where it is
excited to the point of electron transmission.
2. RF generators provide the energy required
to excite the gas
3. Magnetic superconductor coils generates a
magnetic field that directs the excited
electrons out of the engines nozzle.
This method of propulsion can generate
sufficient thrust with a minimum amount of fuel
consumption. This method is ideal for uses in
attitude and orbit control in communications satellites or interplanetary travel. Similar to two magnets that
repel each other, the magnetic fields repels electrons out of the exaust nozzle.
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Mono Propulsion System
The simplest of the three propulsion designs does not
require in oxidizer to burn its fuel. For
monopropellant rockets that depend on a chemical
reaction, the power for the propulsive reaction and
resultant thrust is provided by the chemical itself.
That is, the energy needed to propel the spacecraft is
contained within the chemical bonds of the chemical
molecules involved in the reaction.
The most commonly used monopropellant is
hydrazine (N2H4), a chemical which is a strong
reducing agent. The most common catalyst is
granular alumina coated with iridium. There is no
igniter with hydrazine. Shell 405 is a spontaneous
catalyst, that is, hydrazine decomposes on contact
with the catalyst. The decomposition is highly
exothermic and produces an 1800 °F (1000 °C) gas
that is a mixture of nitrogen, hydrogen and ammonia.
These motors are much like what you find a bottle
rocket.
Unified Propulsion System
A combustible liquid such as nitrogen or hydrogen is
mixed with a oxidizer like liquid oxygen. The
mixture is ignited to produce thrust. This system has
the capability to work in space because of the
addition of the oxidizer. This system is the most
commonly used in space travel today.
4
Aerojet
Project Engineering Specialist - Controllable Solid
Location:
Sacramento (Rancho Cordova), CA 95670
Job Category:
Engineering
Reference Code:
7159
Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetics
to its space, missile defense, strategic, tactical missile and armaments customers throughout
domestic and international markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of
aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities
related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets.
At Aerojet, we work on projects that are substantial enough to be challenging, yet focused in
objective, so your individual contribution is never lost in the process. We stress a strong ethical
workplace, both in relation to the work we do and the sense of fairness that is extended to all
employees, regardless of background. We believe that a primary reason for Aerojet's success is
our focus on honesty, safety, respect for others, quality and accountability. These priorities are
the framework for everything we do at Aerojet and allow us to continue to produce the quality
products and technologies for which we are known. Additional information about Aerojet and
GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' websites at www.aerojet.com and at
www.gencorp.com.
Aerojet is looking for an experienced Controllable/Solid Rocket Propulsion Chief/Project
Engineer. This position will prepare program plans in conjunction with program management
which define and allocate requirements; implement design and analysis tasks, special studies,
experiments and hardware/test requirements.
Lead Engineering teams working on development program for propulsion systems. Direct and
coordinate all engineering work; manage technical progress and schedule and cost status. Assure
that delivered products meet Aerojet and contractual requirements for engineering design.
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Monitor technical progress and interface with Program Manager, Aerojet customers, and other
Aerojet functional organizations to understand and develop resolution to program technical
issues.
Provide technical consultation to Program Management and Business Development
organizations on business development activities such as writing white papers or preparing and
presenting technical briefings to customers.
Technical Lead on proposals to government customers or prime contractors for propulsion
development or technology programs.
SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Attend IPT meetings.
Provide written and verbal status reports to Aerojet Management.
Create Design and Development plans for assigned projects.
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering or related field and a minimum
of 9 years of experience on controllable/solid propulsion projects, including engineering team
lead experience required (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Advanced
degree preferred. CAD knowledge desirable. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software
required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires
U.S. Citizenship).
Aerojet offers a challenging work environment, a comprehensive relocation package and
excellent benefits, including a 401(k), educational assistance, generous vacation/paid time off,
and an alternative work schedule for most positions. Please apply online at
www.aerojet.com/careers using the job number listed for each position. Principals only. EOE.
M/F/D/V.
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Methodology
To provide you with the necessary information for this report I used the following
methods:
Empirical Data
Ms. Kate Renalds, Tour Operations Manager, was interviewed on the 10th of September
2012 over the phone. The purpose of this interview was to learn about the company from one of
its employees. Questions concerning the company’s mission as well as employee relations were
discussed.
Print Material
Other sources of information used were documents from the Tesla website. These
documents include a letter from the CEO Elon Musk and lead engineers about Tesla Motors.
Other information about the company was also gathered from the Tesla website. The reason for
this method of research is to collect as much data from the perspective of the company as
possible. In order to provide an un-biased analysis of organizational culture, perspectives from
multiple sources must be collected.
Electronic Sources
Finally web searches were done to collect information about Tesla that isn’t produced by
the company itself. Online magazine articles, blogs and reports written by non-affiliated sources.
This was done to give another perspective into the inner workings of the company.
These methods are not without their faults. Even though I may have gathered information
with the intent on providing a non-biased look into a company, who is to say that the sources are
not biased. The information that I gathered is also limited to web searches and minor research
done in a library. My methodology in finding data on the subject is not as thorough as a
professional journalist.
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Resume
Brandon Corwin
2005 McClelland Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Phone: 801-918-6501
Email: DjPush_slc@yahoo.com
Career Objective
A position as mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, specializing in propulsion systems
or high altitude low orbit vehicles.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science University of Utah, Graduated May 2012.
Major: Mechanical Engineer
Minor: Aeronautics
Work Experience
Repair Technician, August of 2009-August of 2011
Quartzdyne, Salt Lake City, UT.
Handle purchasing through vendors, scheduling and logging of work orders and
supervision of department when the manager was out.
Building repair and upkeep and manufacturing equipment repair/preventative
maintenance
Preventative maintenance of manufacturing equipment
Maintenance Technician, May 2005-August 2009
Marriott Mountainside, Park City, UT
Handle purchasing through vendors, scheduling and logging of work orders and
supervision of department when the manager was out.
Building repair and upkeep and manufacturing equipment repair/preventative
maintenance
Preventative maintenance of manufacturing equipment
Skills
Leed certified
Proficient in use of CAD programming
Mathmatics
Physics
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