Gantzer Showcase

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Pathways Showcase

Steven GantzerNE-F6Spring 2015

“We Went to the Moon and We Discovered Earth”

- Neil deGrasse Tyson


Background

• West Virginia University

• Morgantown, WV

• B.S Mechanical Engineering

• Army Reserves – 7 Years

• Iraq Deployment – 10 Months

• Study Abroad in Rome, Italy – 5 Months


Cryogenics Test Laboratory (CTL)• Vision: To provide the facilities and expertise to test materials, systems,

develop technology, and perform research/experimentation for low temperature applications.

• Only CTL in the world with certain capabilities

• Matrixed to support many projects

• Thermo/fluids engineering intern


But Why?Rocket Fuel Baby!

Space is Cold

And well…

It’s cool


Supported Projects

Ground Operations Demonstration Unit – Liquid Hydrogen (GODU-LH2)

Rocket University (AKA Project NEO)

Regolith and Environment Science and Oxygen and Lunar Volatile Extraction - Lunar Advanced Volatile Analysis System (RESOLVE LAVA)


GODU-LH2

• Zero boil off, Densification, and Liquefaction of LH2

• 33,000 gallon VJ tank, 850W Refrigerator, Vacuum pump

• Supported testing procedures and assisted with troubleshooting

• Helped to modify pvc piping system


Rocket U

• Test fire Project Morpheus’ PIXEL Lander rocket

• Hands on experience in piping and fluid systems

• CAESAR II modeling and stress analysis of rocket skid


RESOLVE LAVA

• Lunar soil resource detection and composition

• Potential use of resources

• Regolith sampling and gas extraction

• Gas Chromatograph (GC) calibration

• Assisted with lab testing


Skills Learned and Knowledge Gained

• Thermodynamics in terms of cryogenics

• Cryogenic equipment, piping systems, pressure vessels, etc…

• CAM/CAD (CAESAR II and Creo)

• Lab testing procedures and etiquette

• ASME and PVS standards

• That I have much more to learn!


Thank You!

Gantzer Showcase

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