Nozzle Modeling Science Tool
This tool is meant to provide a versatile and affordable means of testing the flow of air at critical mach numbers via open source hardware/software. This test environment is primarily composed of a 3D-printed 2D nozzle enclosed in an acrylic casing. Air is fed via pressurized gas canister into the inlet and the flow at the outlet is visualized via a shadow box.
This project was initially developed by Marcello Guadagno and Jacob Loss for Dr. Kazuya Tajiri (Kaz) at Michigan Technological University.
Software
[edit | edit source]This project uses the SciPy library in Python to generate a parametric openSCAD model for export to your 3D print slicer of choice.
- Download Nozzle Code Here: Github
Hardware
[edit | edit source]All components can be found online or at your local hardware store. See BOM for details
Savings
[edit | edit source]- Typical Cost: No standard product for this sold. All are custom designs and would be made from machined aluminum by a skilled machinist. Would cost at least $200 USD
- OS Project Cost: ~$15.00 USD
- Estimated Savings: > $180 USD
Results
[edit | edit source]BOM
[edit | edit source]| Item Name | Purpose | QTY | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" Male NPT to Compression Fitting | Pressured Air connection to device. | 1 | $1.60 | Amazon |
| 1/4" OD Polyethylene Tube | Pressured Air connection to device. | 1 | $0.79 | Amazon |
| 1/4" Bolts | Assembly | 8 | $0.92 | Amazon |
| 1/4" Nuts | Assembly | 8 | $0.64 | Amazon |
| Washers | Assembly | 16 | $1.03 | Amazon |
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Cite as | Marcello, TheJLo (2019–2025). "Nozzle Modeling Science Tool". Appropedia. Retrieved May 31, 2026. |