Project Initium is the design, manufacturing, and systems integration of a functioning pulse jet engine — built under Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University safety requirements and conducted as an independent engineering project.
The project spans the full engineering lifecycle: trade studies, CAD design, CFD simulation, physical manufacturing, and systems integration. Air, fuel, and spark systems integration is currently in progress.
Trade Studies: Conducted trade studies on combustion chamber volume, fuel flow rates, and resonance frequencies to determine optimal geometry for thrust output. Evaluated multiple design configurations against performance and manufacturability constraints.
Design & Simulation: Designed the full pulse jet body in CATIA. Performed CFD simulations to validate flow behavior and maximize thrust output prior to manufacturing. Ran feasibility assessments and redundancy testing to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
Manufacturing: Full body has been manufactured. Systems integration — connecting air, fuel, and spark subsystems — is currently underway under Embry-Riddle safety protocols.