Beatrice Lang
Building an electric jet turbine is no small feat, but it's possible to do it yourself with the right tools and knowledge. The basic principle behind an electric jet engine is similar to that of a turbojet engine, but instead of using a second turbine to add power to the compressor, it relies on electric power. To build one, you'll need to understand how jet engines work, and then gather the necessary materials and equipment, which may include a CNC machine, a welder, a cutting torch, and various metalworking tools and techniques. You'll also need to decide on a design, whether it's based on an existing engine or something more innovative, and ensure it has the necessary components, such as a turbine, compressor, combustion chamber, and exhaust. With the right knowledge, skills, and dedication, you too can build an electric jet turbine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, nickel alloys, cardboard, body filler, hard wire, glue, paint |
| Tools | Omax water-jet cutter, vertical band saw, drill press, TIG welder, CNC machining equipment, 3D printer |
| Components | Compressor, combustion chamber, flame tube, exhaust turbine, intake turbine, shaft, bearings, fuel control lever, DC motor, gearbox, flywheel, electromagnet coil, magnets |
| Process | Research jet engine theory and watch videos of homemade versions, design the engine, cut and weld metal parts, machine and bolt together components, connect fuel and starter |
| Power Source | Electric power, fuel ignition |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the basic principles of jet engines
The basic principle of jet engines is centred around jet propulsion, which involves compressing air with an inlet and a compressor, mixing fuel with the compressed air, burning the mixture, and then passing the hot, high-pressure air through a turbine and a nozzle to generate thrust.
Jet engines can be broadly categorized into airbreathing jet engines and rocket engines. Airbreathing jet engines, which are commonly used in aircraft, rely on atmospheric air to provide oxygen for combustion. They can be further classified into turbojet engines and turbofan engines. Turbojet engines work by compressing air with a compressor, mixing it with fuel, igniting the mixture, and then passing the exhaust gases through a turbine to generate thrust. Turbofan engines are similar but differ in that not all the air entering the compressor passes through the combustor and turbine.
Turbofan engines are generally more efficient than turbojet engines, especially at speeds just below the speed of sound. The development of turbofan engines has significantly improved fuel efficiency, enabling routine transatlantic flights by twin-engined airliners.
Rocket engines, on the other hand, do not require atmospheric air and can operate at arbitrary altitudes and even in space. They carry all the components of the reaction mass, including the oxygen needed for combustion. Ramjet engines are a type of airbreathing jet engine with no moving parts in the engine proper, only in the accessories. They require an initial forward airspeed to function and are considered the simplest type of airbreathing jet engine.
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Designing the jet engine
The first step is to decide on the major components and make them semi-realistic and possible to build. The design should be based on existing and proven engines, such as the full-scale Fairchild J44 and RC turbojet engines. The next step is to gather the required materials and tools. This includes access to CNC machining equipment, welding and cutting equipment, and materials like stainless steel, mild steel, or nickel alloys.
The design should include the following key components:
- A compressor that forces high-pressure air into the combustion chamber.
- A combustion chamber where the fuel is mixed and ignited, creating exhaust gases and thrust.
- An exhaust turbine/exhaust fan that is spun by the exiting exhaust gases, which then rotates the shaft connected to the compressor, thus creating a continuous cycle.
The specific design of each component will depend on the desired performance characteristics, such as thrust, weight, and sustainability. For example, the choice between a centrifugal compressor and an axial compressor will impact the pressure ratio, manufacturing costs, and maintenance requirements.
Additionally, the design should consider the placement and integration of subsystems for starting, cooling, and monitoring, as well as the fuel control system, which regulates the speed and thrust of the engine.
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Gathering the required tools and materials
Building an electric jet turbine is no small feat, and gathering the required tools and materials is a crucial first step. Here is a comprehensive list of what you'll need:
To begin, you'll need to source a turbo from a car engine. This turbo will serve as the heart of your electric jet turbine, providing the compressor and turbine stage. Look for a small turbo, such as the Garrett GT2052 turbo, which can be found in small 4-cylinder diesel engines. You can check local junkyards or online platforms like eBay for this part.
Next, you'll require a combustion chamber, which is where the magic happens—mixing and igniting fuel with air. This component is essential for generating the power that will propel your jet turbine forward.
A flame tube or flame holder is another critical element. This component guides the fuel-air mixture and ensures it burns efficiently. It's an integral part of the combustion process.
For the construction process, you'll need a range of tools and materials, including:
- Cutting and welding equipment: A water-jet cutter, vertical band saw, drill press, and a TIG welder are all useful for cutting and shaping the metal components.
- Metal materials: Stainless steel (such as Stainless Steel 316) or mild steel for the exhaust turbine, housing, and other structural components. Aluminum can also be used for certain parts, like the compressor wheel.
- Electrical components: A DC power supply of at least 12 volts, a rheostat for controlling speed, and an electromagnet coil.
- Miscellaneous: Carton board for creating the exterior shape, body filler to smooth and refine the exterior, hard wire for support, glue (hot glue works well), and paint in white, silver, and black colours.
Additionally, having access to CNC machining equipment can be advantageous for creating precise and complex components. If you plan to 3D print certain parts, ensure you have access to a 3D printer and relevant modelling software.
Remember, safety should be a top priority when gathering tools and materials. Electric jet turbines involve high temperatures, high speeds, and electrical components, so ensure you have the necessary safety gear and knowledge before proceeding.
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Building the jet engine's housing and exterior
Building the housing and exterior of a jet engine is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to constructing the housing and exterior of an electric jet turbine:
Planning and Materials
Begin by drawing a detailed design of the jet engine housing and exterior, taking into account the size and placement of each component, such as the compressor, turbine, and exhaust. The materials used in the construction of the jet engine housing and exterior must be able to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Stainless steel, such as Stainless Steel 316, is commonly used due to its strength and durability. Other materials like mild steel, aluminium, and nickel alloys may also be used for specific components.
Cutting and Shaping
The next step is to cut and shape the materials according to your design. This typically involves using power tools such as a vertical band saw with cutting fluid for straight cuts, and a drill press for creating holes. Mark the drilling spots with a hammer and nail to form a dent before drilling. For more complex shapes, such as the exhaust turbine, a water-jet cutter can be used to achieve perfect symmetry and ensure a precise fit with the rest of the engine body.
Assembly and Welding
After all the components have been cut and shaped, they need to be assembled and welded together. A TIG welder is commonly used for this process. Ensure that all welds are smooth and seamless to avoid any weak points in the structure. The assembly process involves fitting the various parts together, such as bolting the diffuser to the compressor outlet guide vanes and then to the main frame, which houses the bearings and holds all the other main pieces together.
Finishing and Painting
Once the assembly is complete, the exterior of the jet engine housing can be prepared for painting. This involves sanding the surface to create a smooth finish. Paint the housing with glossy white paint, ensuring the inside of the engine is painted black. Optionally, you can paint a silver edge on the front of the engine.
Constructing the housing and exterior of an electric jet turbine requires a combination of technical skills, precision, and patience. It is important to follow safety guidelines and best practices when working with power tools and welding equipment.
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Assembling the jet engine's components
To assemble the components of a jet engine, you will need to follow a detailed plan and have access to specialist equipment and resources. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling a jet engine:
Firstly, source your parts. You will need a turbo from a car, a combustion chamber, and a flame tube. You will also require subsystems for starting, cooling, and monitoring. A welder and cutting torch will be needed to fabricate and join the parts. For the turbine, a small turbo will suffice, such as the Garrett GT2052 turbo, which can be sourced from a local junkyard or online.
Next, you will need to cut and shape the metal parts. The exhaust turbine, for instance, can be cut using a water-jet cutter to ensure perfect symmetry and fit with the rest of the body. A vertical band saw is useful for most cutting, and a drill press for drilling holes.
Then, weld the components together. This requires skill and experience, and a TIG welder is recommended for this task. The exhaust, for example, consists of an end plate and two sections of bar stock bent into a circle, all welded together.
After this, you will need to machine the compressor wheel and main shaft. The compressor outlet guide vanes are bolted to the main frame, which houses the bearings and holds the other main pieces together.
Finally, assemble the remaining parts. This includes welding and drilling, as well as connecting the fuel, starter, and any other necessary subsystems.
Building a jet engine is a complex and challenging task, and it is important to thoroughly research and plan each step before beginning the assembly process.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic components of a jet turbine are a turbo from a car, a combustion chamber, and a flame tube. The rest of the parts are small subsystems that are needed for starting, cooling, and monitoring.
You will need a DC power supply of at least 12 volts, a rheostat, and a gearbox with a flywheel. You will also need an electromagnet coil, cardboard, body filler, hard wire, and glue. For tools, a drill press, water-jet cutter, and TIG welder are recommended.
First, attach the DC motor to the gearbox. Put a plastic lever on the gearbox to make noise when it hits the small gear of the flywheel. Next, put 2 or 4 permanent magnets on the main shaft so that the electromagnet coil can be close to them when they rotate. Finally, connect the fuel lever and starter, and ensure the starter is spring-loaded to return to the normal position.
