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Company Overview |
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Advanced
Projects Research, Incorporated (APRI) is a small
business founded in 1988. APRI has experience in the
design and testing of experimental air breathing
propulsion systems and propulsion system components.
APRI also has experience in the ground testing of
hypersonic propulsion systems and concepts. We take
pride in our system engineering approach in which we
start with the definition of customer requirements
and work with our customers through the design and
test process. This process includes the following
steps:
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Requirements
definition
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Conceptual design
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Detail design
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Fabrication and
Assembly
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Design validation
APRI has
experience in the design of flow and power systems
with or without combustion. Supporting test hardware
such as cooling systems, gas and fuel delivery
systems, electric power, and instrumentation systems
have also been designed and implemented at APRI. To
support the development and test of hardware, APRI
can provide engineering services in the following
areas:
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System level
performance modeling
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Flow path design
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Flow system design
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Combustor design
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Combustion system
design
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Machine design
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Optical flow
diagnostic systems
APRI is
well equipped to perform design in our areas of
expertise. We maintain proficiency in the use of
several engineering simulation and design tools,
which are used for system specification and design.
They include:
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Pro/ENGINEER with
Pro/HARNESS and Pro/PIPING modules
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Piping system
analysis
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Chemical kinetics
and equilibrium codes
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Transient gas
dynamics codes
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Propulsion system
performance analysis
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Structural analysis
(linear and nonlinear finite element analysis)
We
pride ourselves in the application of a formal
engineering method. Our method is based on the
system engineering method adapted to our
goals of providing systems of moderate complexity to
our customers. The product that we provide our
customers includes hardware and design documentation
to the level required by the customer. Our internal
management systems include:
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a formal engineering
method;
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configuration
management system; and
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a DCAA approved cost
accounting system.
APRI's
facility includes office, laboratory,
and workshop space. Our laboratory and test
facility includes flow instrumentation and data
acquisition systems routinely used in the test of
hardware developed at APRI. This instrumentation
includes laser-based diagnostics for combustion
measurements; high and low speed multi-channel data
acquisition systems, and a gas chromatograph for the
measurement of chemical composition of combustion
product. Our model shop includes CNC Mills and lathes
as well as manual equipment such as vertical mill, a
high precision lathe, and a variety of other power
and hand tools used in the fabrication of flow and
combustion test articles as well as test stands. In
addition to our own laboratory and test facility, we
have access to a range of outside propulsion and
combustion test facilities.
The
staff at APRI includes Ph.D. research and
development engineers expert in the areas of fluid
dynamics, combustion, aero-propulsion, and related
disciplines. APRI staff includes engineers and
technicians proficient in the design,
fabrication/procurement, and test of physical
hardware. Finally, where appropriate, APRI relies on
a team of consultants who provide assistance in
their areas of expertise on an as-needed basis.
In the
process of designing and fabricating hardware and
test articles for our customers, APRI relies on the
tremendous vendor base available in Southern
California and elsewhere. We have established
working relationships with a large number of vendors
of build-to-specification parts and commercial
off-the-shelf items. Our established vendor base
includes access to the following processes and
services:
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Conventional and
multi-axis CNC machining
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Heavy and
sheet-metal fabrication
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Furnace, hydrogen,
vacuum, induction, dip, and torch brazing
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MIG, TIG, electron
beam, and laser welding/cutting
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Material heat
treating
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Gun drilling
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Shaft, surface, and
jig grinding
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Sinker and wire EDM
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Anodizing, painting,
and plating
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Investment and sand
casting, including rapid prototype pattern
generation
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Metal stamping
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Electrical harness
assembly
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Custom optics
fabrication and coating
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