Welcome to the homepage of Steve Heister. I'm a Professor at Purdue University in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. My research and teaching interests are focused in the area of rocket propulsion and liquid injection systems. This page provides a summary of major research projects and courses taught during the 11 years I have spent here at Purdue. For more information on Purdue's propulsion programs, rockets, and airbreathing engines, see our Propulsion Website

Hybrid Rocket Combustion Experiments
Combustion experiments for hybrid rockets utilizing hydrogen peroxide/polyethylene propellants are detailed here. Both conventional and radial-flow ("pancake motor") hybrid rockets have been tested successfully.

Atomization Modeling
Under AFOSR sponsorship, a series of atomization simulations have been developed using Boundary Element Methods (BEMs) as a computational methodology. More recently, we have been working homogeneous flow simulations of complex sprays under this topical area.

Diesel Engine Injector Modeling
Under sponsorship from Cummins Engine Company and the Army Research Office, injector flow models capable of addressing unsteady cavitation processes are being developed. A parallel experimental effort is being conducted as a part of Professor Collicott's research program.

Modeling Engine Sump Flows
This project is sponsored by Rolls Royce Allison and has the goal of developing a capability to model complex lubricant flows in airbreathing engine sumps. The oil slung from high-speed bearings and seal runners is analyzed as it impacts the sump wall and flows to the drain. A parallel experimental effort is in work in Professor Collicott's research program.

Hypergolic Bipropellant Engine Development
This project, is aimed at developing engines/injectors for a new class of non-toxic, storable bipropellants using Hydrogen Peroxide as oxidizer. Working with Professor Rusek's group, we are testing new Nontoxic Miscible Hypergolic Fuels (NHMF) which contain catalyst material in suspension in alchohol-based fuels. The project is sponsored by BMDO.

June 6, 2001