The Pulsejet Engine Project – A DIY Propulsion Build by Abhyuday Dhundhel

The Pulsejet Engine Project is an independent, student-driven engineering build by Abhyuday Dhundhel, a 13-year-old maker, builder, and Staff Sergeant in the United States Civil Air Patrol. Driven by a deep fascination with jet propulsion and aerospace innovation, Abhyuday is designing and constructing a valveless pulsejet engine—from scratch, right in his garage.

Unlike typical school projects, this build is entirely self-initiated and self-directed. The goal is to create a fully functional pulsejet engine capable of producing real thrust using principles of thermodynamics, pressure wave oscillation, and combustion. Every aspect of the project—from CAD modeling and metalwork to ignition control and safety testing—is being tackled by Abhyuday solo.

Why PCBWay?

While most of the engine will be hand-built using sheet metal and garage tools, two of the most critical components—the intake flange and fuel injection nozzle assembly—require precision and durability that’s just not possible with home tools.

That’s where PCBWay’s custom metal 3D printing services come in. With their help, Abhyuday is able to design and order high-performance metal parts that meet the extreme heat and stress requirements of a working jet engine. Their support brings professional-grade fabrication into the hands of a young innovator.

Thanks to PCBWay, this project now includes:

• Accurate, durable, aluminum engine parts
• Faster prototyping and iteration
• Realistic testing under combustion conditions

• Jet Engine
• Pulse Jet Engine
• Solo
• Middle School