Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Since 1948, Purdue researchers have established the benchmark for combustion and propulsion research. The work conducted at Zucrow Labs contributed to the creation of the first Space Shuttle Main Engines. Modern technologies now enable the design, fabrication, and testing of propellants, combustors, and rocket engines with exceptional precision. As the private space sector expands, Purdue's combustion specialists are increasingly sought after.
Furthermore, Purdue possesses unparalleled research capabilities in flame and combustion analysis. The High Pressure Combustion Laboratory at Zucrow Labs stands as the sole facility of its type globally. It features the Tebbe TDI Laser Lab, a 2,000 square-foot climate-controlled space, connected to five new test cells, allowing seamless integration of laser diagnostic measurements in combustion studies.
Purdue also maintains a strong reputation for its research on energetic materials: propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. The Purdue Energetics Research Center is driving innovations in rocket fuel composition, ammunition development, controlled detonations and explosions, and numerous other areas.