Rafael Lino
Propulsion Engineer
Porto
Summary
Doctors take care of humans health, Aerospace Engineers take care of rockets and aircrafts health. I want to reach the top as a propulsion engineer and honor each project I put my hands on. I attend to make my loved ones proud of me!
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
2
2
Years on BsC on Aeroespace Engineering
5
5
Certificates
3
3
Languages
Work History
Head of Propulsion Department
Porto Space Team
Porto
10.2024 - Current
- At the moment, I'm working and learning as a propulsion engineer at Porto Space Team. My work consists on:
- Hybrid Rocket Development for participation in EuRoc 2025, encompassing propulsion system design and integration;
- Thermal Analysis of Ablative Insulators, including heat transfer modeling and dimensioning of insulation thickness for hybrid rocket combustion chambers;
- Design and Simulation of Single-Bell Nozzle Geometries, focusing on contour generation and performance evaluation across varying regimes;
- Multiphase Flow Modelling and CFD Simulations with Ansys Fluent, since nitrous oxide is one of the most used and accessible oxidizers. I mainly worked with multiphase flow pressure losses modelling and venturi tubes sizing for controlled cavitating behavior.
- Development of a Hybrid Rocket Engine Simulation Tool, integrating thrust prediction, chamber pressure and temperature modeling, and pressurization/blowdown tank behavior;
- Mentoring Young Engineers, fostering technical growth, collaborative teamwork, and knowledge transfer within the propulsion subsystem.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Aerospace Engineering
Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto
09.2024 - Current
Skills
Communicative and Excelent Team-Work
Easy Learner
SolidWorks, Fusion 360 AutoDesk
Ansys Fluent
OpenFOAM
Python
C
Thermochemical Combustion Modelling
Multiphase Flows
Certification
Online course "Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering" by Sadok Smine on Udemy
Accomplishments
- Best Poster and Pitch Session Award
VII Jornadas Aeroespaciais – Portuguese Air Force & Porto Space Team
Figueira da Foz, Portugal – June 2025
Project: "Single Bell Nozzle Geometry and Analysis Simulator"
Awarded for the development and presentation of a simulation tool focused on the geometric and performance prediction of bell nozzles, applied to hybrid rocket propulsion systems. - Best Poster and Pitch Session Award
1st Space Education Summit – NEW SPACE Portugal & Porto Space Team
Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto – April 2025
Project: "Predictive Modeling of Hybrid Rocket Engine Hot-Fire Tests"
Recognized for the creation of a 0D numerical simulation framework for hybrid rocket engines, enabling performance prediction and comparison with experimental hot-fire data. - ESA Scolarship 5th Symposium on Space Educational Activities - European Space Agency (ESA) & Technical University of Munich (TUM) Project: "HyProSim: A Transiant Simulation & Performance Prediction Framework for Hybrid Propulsion Systems" Received an ESA Scolarship to present and publish my first paper in Munich, Germany.
Timeline
Head of Propulsion Department
Porto Space Team
10.2024 - Current
Bachelor's Degree - Aerospace Engineering
Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto
09.2024 - Current