Im up for a challenge

[love2fish93]

I am looking for an extra credit project that I may learn from. I was wondering If a jet engine using a turbocharger from a car could be completed by a team of high school students. I am a fairly good craftsman and I am good with tools. I was wondering if there was a basic jet motor that I can run safely in a school setting? size and noise are not a problem, I have a dyno room in the auto shop that is sound proof. I have access to all the tools and most of the materials, maybe a parts list would be nice.

thanks,

Pat

[bwalt822]

It probably wouldnt work. Theoretically the turbocharger could be used as your compressor but then you need to build a combustion chamber to burn the fuel and turbine to turn the compressor/turbocharger.

Do a bunch of research on jet engines trying to stay on NASA and university websites and you will see how difficult it its to design and build a jet engine.

What kind of class is this for? Would designing and building a plane for a certain mission work.

[eflightray]

If noise wasn't a problem, and by noise I mean all hell breaking out, then how about a pulse jet. :D

They can be incredibly simple to build, but can also be illegal in some countries.

Do a Google search on 'pulse jet', there are also quite a few on YouTube.

The early model jet turbine engines were based on turbochager parts, but there was also a lot of additional items as well as 'bwalt' pointed out, including a computer based engine management system as well.

[bwalt822]

Good idea with the pulse jet. You could be able to build one of those.

[fhhuber506771]

There have been turbine engines build using automotive turbocharger parts.

http://www.junkyardjet.com/

[love2fish93]

the pulse jet seems like an idea, a turbine would be ideal though. Is there anything else that I can do?

[Airboatflyingshp]

on UK TV there have been both forms of jets built in one program ...Search for- Scrap Heap Challenge. I know where to find free plans to build a model size pulse jet...pm/Email me.

[XJet]

I was the "expert" for the Destroyers on that episode of Scrapheap Challenge and we built the pulsejet-powered vehicle.

A pulsejet is definitely easier, especially a valveless one but building a turbocharger-based engine would also be a great (if more complex) project.

My website has info on lost of related stuff at http://aardvark.co.nz/pjet/