Case Study of Additive Manufacturing Technology:Liquid Methane Rocket Engine Thrust Chambers

This paper introduces case studies and applied technologies of additive manufacturing used to fabricate thrust chambers of 3tf-class methane engine for small launch vehicle upper stages and of 1tf-class methane engine for lunar lander ground testing.Additionally, it presents the case of a 35tf-class methane engine thrust chamber, which has been proposed for versatile use across various launch vehicle sizes.Combustion test results, including thrust control and re-ignition capability, for the produced 1tf-class and 3tf-class thrust chambers are also presented.From design to firing test, the feasibility of developing a rocket engine thrust chamber using additive manufacturing process was confirmed. 3 1 ., 35 .