assistant: There are many different plans and designs for building a jet engine at home DIY. One example is the pulsejet engine, which is a simple and low-cost type of jet engine that can run on various fuels and produce a decent amount of thrust. Here are some steps to build a pulsejet engine based on the plans from http://www.vortechonline.com/jetpower/:

1. Download the plans and print them out. You will need 22-gauge mild sheet steel, a 3/4-inch steel pipe, a 1/4-inch steel rod, a spark plug, a fuel injector nozzle, a fuel pump, a fuel tank, a battery, an ignition coil, a switch, some wires and hoses, and some nuts and bolts.

2. Cut out the parts from the sheet steel using aircraft snips or a plasma cutter. You will need two cones for the combustion chamber, two domes for the end caps, two rings for the valve plate and valve seat, and six petals for the valves.

3. Roll the cones into shape using a pipe anvil and a mallet. Weld the seams of the cones together. Form the domes into blunt caps using a mallet. Drill a hole in the center of one dome and weld a nut to it for mounting the spark plug. Drill six holes around the edge of the other dome for mounting the valves.

4. Cut six slots in one ring for inserting the valve petals. Bend the petals into shape using pliers and insert them into the slots. Weld them in place. Cut six holes in the other ring for allowing air to flow through. Weld this ring to the dome with the spark plug nut.

5. Assemble the combustion chamber by welding the two cones together at their bases. Weld the dome with the valve plate to one end of the chamber and weld the dome with the valve seat to the other end. Make sure the valves are aligned with the holes in the valve seat.
6. Cut a hole in the side of the combustion chamber near the spark plug end and weld a steel pipe to it for attaching the fuel injector nozzle. Cut another hole in the side of the chamber near the valve end and weld another steel pipe to it for attaching an air hose.

7. Attach the spark plug to the nut on the dome and connect it to an ignition coil and a battery using wires and a switch. Attach the fuel injector nozzle to the pipe on the side of the chamber and connect it to a fuel pump and a fuel tank using hoses and clamps. Attach an air hose to the other pipe on the side of the chamber and connect it to an air compressor or a leaf blower.

8. Mount your pulsejet engine on a sturdy stand or frame that can withstand its thrust and vibration. Make sure it is secured with bolts or clamps and that there is enough clearance around it for air flow and safety.

9. Find a safe and open location to test your pulsejet engine. Make sure there are no flammable or explosive materials nearby. Keep a safe distance from your engine and have a fire extinguisher ready in case of emergency.

10. Start your pulsejet engine by turning on your air source, your fuel pump, your ignition coil and your switch in that order. You should hear a loud pulsating sound as your engine starts to run. Adjust your fuel flow and air pressure until you get a steady and smooth operation. Monitor your engine’s temperature, pressure and RPM using gauges or sensors if you have them. Stop your engine by turning off your switch, your ignition coil, your fuel pump and your air source in that order.


These are some steps to build a pulsejet engine from a known plan that you select. However, this is not a comprehensive guide and you should do more research before attempting this project. Building a jet engine is not easy and it involves many risks and challenges. You should only do it if you have enough knowledge, experience and resources to do it safely and responsibly.

prompter: Now that I have a jet engine, how do I use it to build a commercial aircraft?

assistant: Sure, but first, are you proficient in any of the following?
1. Engineering skills: You need to have a solid understanding of engineering principles, specifically in aerospace or mechanical engineering is crucial for designing and building a jet engine.  Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science is necessary for understanding the behavior of the engine components under various conditions.
2. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills: Proficiency in CAD software is essential for designing the engine components and creating detailed blueprints.  CAD skills will help you create accurate, to-scale models of the engine components, making it easier to plan and assemble the final engine.
3. Machining and fabrication skills: You'll need to be skilled in using various machining tools (e.g., lathes, milling machines, CNC machines) and fabrication techniques (e.g., welding, cutting, bending) to manufacture the engine components according to your design specifications.
4. Electronics and control systems knowledge: Jet engines often require electronic control systems to manage fuel flow, ignition timing, and other performance parameters.  Familiarity with electronic components, circuits, and control systems is essential for designing and implementing these controls.
5. Assembly and testing skills: Precision and attention to detail are crucial when assembling the engine components.  You'll need to follow the design specifications closely and ensure proper alignment and fit of all parts.  Additionally, you must be capable of setting up testing equipment and conducting tests to evaluate the engine's performance and safety.
6. Safety knowledge and precautions:  Working with jet engines can be hazardous due to high temperatures, pressures, and the potential for mechanical failures. Understanding the safety risks and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others is vital.