Simulation of a liquid propellant rocket engine manufacturing assembly line utilizing the PFS/PN methodology

Abstract

The system addressed in this paper pertains to an assembly line for liquid propellant rocket engines equipped with turbopump. The challenge involves automating the process of metal 3D printing for the turbopump and combustion chamber, followed by heat treatment for stress relief, X-ray computed tomography inspection, and the subsequent movement of components throughout the factory. To achieve this, the PFS/PN methodology was employed to facilitate a detailed analysis of the system, ensuring control over its inputs and outputs. The system was simulated using the ProModel Discrete Event Simulator, and the results were scrutinized, indicating the robustness of the simulation. Following the Ladder methodology, programming for Programmable Logic Controllers was also developed.