BURINGTON, MA, Dec 12, 2018 – SoftInWay is excited to announce that Orbex and the University of Alabama have become the latest commercial and educational organizations respectively, to leverage AxSTREAM Space, SoftInWay’s software bundle package specifically developed for space application and design of turbopump components and systems in rocket engines.
The AxSTREAM Space bundle includes all steps from multivariate conceptual design to full multi-dimensional geometry of the turbomachinery components, allowing design of both pumps and turbine, investigation of secondary flows, and analysis of rotor-bearing systems; all automated and integrated throughout the platform.
Founded in 2015, Orbex is an emerging European leader in orbital microlaunch services, focused on supporting the needs of the rapidly growing small satellite industry. Orbex is developing an innovative, break-through orbital launch vehicle called Prime to deliver small satellites into Earth’s orbit. When completed, the launch vehicle aims to be 30% lighter and 20% more efficient than its industry counterparts and will be able to transport payloads ranging between 100kg-220kg to altitudes of up to 1250km. To complete this project, the Orbex team will be using AxSTREAM Space for the design of cryogenic turbomachinery components and systems.
“Orbex is building a 21st century launch vehicle that will help shape the future of the small satellite industry, and we have invested very strongly in a reliable, industry-proven design and simulation toolchain for our propulsion systems,” said Chris Larmour, Orbex CEO. “Our core philosophy is to invest in the best solutions available, and the AxSTREAM platform is widely recognized as a key asset in a professional toolchain for launch vehicle development. With the introduction of the new AxSTREAM Space bundle, we have access to a suite of high performance tools that is precisely matched to the task we have at hand: not only can it accomplish full component design, but it can also handle sophisticated rotor dynamics analysis, and model secondary flows to determine systemic issues. These capabilities allow our engineers to converge on a design very quickly, helping them to deliver a robust and reliable main propulsion system.”
In addition to Orbex, the University of Alabama has recently adopted AxSTREAM Space into their aerospace program. The Alabama Rocket Engineering Systems team, or ARES, a group made up of 16 students is working towards developing a CH4/LOX liquid-propelled rocket engine. They are using AxSTREAM Space to design the turbomachinery components and system needed to achieve their long-term goal of launching a university developed rocket to the Karman line, the boundary between the Earth’s atmosphere and space.
“Turbomachinery is the most intensive part of designing a liquid-propelled rocket engine,” said Jiar Meagher, lead engineer for the ARES turbomachinery group at the University of Alabama. ” SoftInWay has provided us with the tools and the support we needed to put our goals within reach.”
“Our future is only limited by our imagination, and as a celebration of our company’s 20th year anniversary, we want to ensure that we take a major part in supporting human kind in becoming an interplanetary species. We believe that this can only happen through pushing the boundaries to develop better technologies in how fast and efficiently we can get there,” said Valentine Moroz, SoftInWay’s COO. “We are excited to partner with the most innovative companies aiming to reach space, such as Orbex, as well as younger, student engineers with goals no less ambitious – such as becoming the first university to put a satellite and rocket into space. We hope that together, and with the help of AxSTREAM Space we can leverage technology to move beyond our planet, and open new frontiers for humanity.”
About SoftInWay Inc.
SoftInWay, Inc. is a global R&D engineering company specializing in the development of efficient turbomachinery components and systems by offering its integrated and automated software platform, AxSTREAM for all steps of the turbomachinery design, redesign, analysis, and optimization process (including complete 3D design, thermodynamic cycles, rotor dynamics, and secondary flow and cooling system simulation). SoftInWay also offers a number of engineering services and educational courses, available both online and in a classroom-style setting.
You can find more information at www.softinway.com.
