Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781721568871
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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The GTX program at NASA Glenn Research Center is designed to develop a launch vehicle concept based on rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) propulsion. Experimental testing, cycle analysis, and computational fluid dynamics modeling have all demonstrated the viability of the GTX concept, yet significant technical issues and challenges still remain. Our research effort develops a unique capability for dynamic CFD simulation of complete high-speed propulsion devices and focuses this technology toward analysis of the GTX response during critical mode transition events. Our principal attention is focused on Mode 1/Mode 2 operation, in which initial rocket propulsion is transitioned into thermal-throat ramjet propulsion. A critical element of the GTX concept is the use of an Independent Ramjet Stream (IRS) cycle to provide propulsion at Mach numbers less than 3. In the IRS cycle, rocket thrust is initially used for primary power, and the hot rocket plume is used as a flame-holding mechanism for hydrogen fuel injected into the secondary air stream. A critical aspect is the establishment of a thermal throat in the secondary stream through the combination of area reduction effects and combustion-induced heat release. This is a necessity to enable the power-down of the rocket and the eventual shift to ramjet mode. Our focus in this first year of the grant has been in three areas, each progressing directly toward the key initial goal of simulating thermal throat formation during the IRS cycle: CFD algorithm development; simulation of Mode 1 experiments conducted at Glenn's Rig 1 facility; and IRS cycle simulations. The remainder of this report discusses each of these efforts in detail and presents a plan of work for the next year. Edwards, Jack R. and McRae, D. Scott and Bond, Ryan B. and Steffan, Christopher (Technical Monitor) Glenn Research Center NASA/CR-2003-212193, E-13796, NAS 1.26:212193

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781721568871
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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Book Description
The GTX program at NASA Glenn Research Center is designed to develop a launch vehicle concept based on rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) propulsion. Experimental testing, cycle analysis, and computational fluid dynamics modeling have all demonstrated the viability of the GTX concept, yet significant technical issues and challenges still remain. Our research effort develops a unique capability for dynamic CFD simulation of complete high-speed propulsion devices and focuses this technology toward analysis of the GTX response during critical mode transition events. Our principal attention is focused on Mode 1/Mode 2 operation, in which initial rocket propulsion is transitioned into thermal-throat ramjet propulsion. A critical element of the GTX concept is the use of an Independent Ramjet Stream (IRS) cycle to provide propulsion at Mach numbers less than 3. In the IRS cycle, rocket thrust is initially used for primary power, and the hot rocket plume is used as a flame-holding mechanism for hydrogen fuel injected into the secondary air stream. A critical aspect is the establishment of a thermal throat in the secondary stream through the combination of area reduction effects and combustion-induced heat release. This is a necessity to enable the power-down of the rocket and the eventual shift to ramjet mode. Our focus in this first year of the grant has been in three areas, each progressing directly toward the key initial goal of simulating thermal throat formation during the IRS cycle: CFD algorithm development; simulation of Mode 1 experiments conducted at Glenn's Rig 1 facility; and IRS cycle simulations. The remainder of this report discusses each of these efforts in detail and presents a plan of work for the next year. Edwards, Jack R. and McRae, D. Scott and Bond, Ryan B. and Steffan, Christopher (Technical Monitor) Glenn Research Center NASA/CR-2003-212193, E-13796, NAS 1.26:212193

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition Events PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 14

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Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-based Combined-cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition ..., Nasa/cr--2003-212193 ... Nat

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Rocket-based Combined-cycle Engine Response During Mode Transition ..., Nasa/cr--2003-212193 ... Nat PDF Author: United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of a Rocket-based Combined-cycle Engine in Ejector Mode

Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of a Rocket-based Combined-cycle Engine in Ejector Mode PDF Author: Douglas S. Brocco
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fluid dynamics
Languages : en
Pages : 125

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Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Analysis of the Flow Through a Model Rocket-Based Combined Cycle Engine with an Independently-Fueled Ramjet Stream

Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Analysis of the Flow Through a Model Rocket-Based Combined Cycle Engine with an Independently-Fueled Ramjet Stream PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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A new concept for the low speed propulsion mode in rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engines has been developed as part of the NASA GTX program. This concept, called the independent ramjet stream (IRS) cycle, is a variation of the traditional ejector ramjet (ER) design and involves the injection of hydrogen fuel directly into the air stream, where it is ignited by the rocket plume. Experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are currently being used to evaluate the feasibility of the new design. In this work, a Navier-Stokes code valid for general reactive flows is applied to the model engine under cold flow, ejector ramjet, and IRS cycle operation. Pressure distributions corresponding to cold-flow and ejector ramjet operation are compared with experimental data. The engine response under independent ramjet stream cycle operation is examined for different reaction models and grid sizes. The engine response to variations in fuel injection is also examined. Mode transition simulations are also analyzed both with and without a nitrogen purge of the rocket. The solutions exhibit a high sensitivity to both grid resolution and reaction mechanism, but they do indicate that thermal throat ramjet operation is possible through the injection and burning of additional fuel into the air stream. The solutions also indicate that variations in fuel injection location can affect the position of the thermal throat. The numerical simulations predicted successful mode transition both with and without a nitrogen purge of the rocket; however, the reliability of the mode transition results cannot be established without experimental data to validate the reaction mechanism.

Three-dimension Numerical Simulation of Combustion Processes in LH2/LOx Rocket Engines

Three-dimension Numerical Simulation of Combustion Processes in LH2/LOx Rocket Engines PDF Author: Z. G. Wang
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Analysis of a New Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Concept at Low Speed

Analysis of a New Rocket-Based Combined-Cycle Engine Concept at Low Speed PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Adm Nasa
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781724006851
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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An analysis of the Independent Ramjet Stream (IRS) cycle is presented. The IRS cycle is a variation of the conventional ejector-Ramjet, and is used at low speed in a rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) propulsion system. In this new cycle, complete mixing between the rocket and ramjet streams is not required, and a single rocket chamber can be used without a long mixing duct. Furthermore, this concept allows flexibility in controlling the thermal choke process. The resulting propulsion system is intended to be simpler, more robust, and lighter than an ejector-ramjet. The performance characteristics of the IRS cycle are analyzed for a new single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle concept, known as "Trailblazer." The study is based on a quasi-one-dimensional model of the rocket and air streams at speeds ranging from lift-off to Mach 3. The numerical formulation is described in detail. A performance comparison between the IRS and ejector-ramjet cycles is also presented. Yungster, S. and Trefny, C. J. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-1999-209393, NAS 1.15:209393, E-11824, AIAA Paper 99-2393, ICOMP-99-05

Development of a Numerical Tool to Study the Mixing Phenomenon Occuring During Mode One Operation of a Multi-mode Ejector-augmented Plused Detonation Rocket Engine

Development of a Numerical Tool to Study the Mixing Phenomenon Occuring During Mode One Operation of a Multi-mode Ejector-augmented Plused Detonation Rocket Engine PDF Author: Joshua Dawson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 105

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A novel multi-mode implementation of a pulsed detonation engine, put forth by Wilson et al. [2], consists of four modes; each specifically designed to capitalize on flow features unique to the various flow regimes. This design enables the propulsion system to generate thrust through the entire flow regime. The multi-mode ejectoraugmented pulsed detonation rocket engine operates in mode one during take-o_ conditions through the acceleration to supersonic speeds. Once the mixing chamber internal flow exceeds supersonic speed, the propulsion system transitions to mode two. While operating in mode two, supersonic air is compressed in the mixing chamber by an upstream propagating detonation wave and then exhausted through the convergent-divergent nozzle. Once the velocity of the air flow within the mixing chamber exceeds the Chapman-Jouguet Mach number, the upstream propagating detonation wave no longer has sufficient energy to propagate upstream and consequently the propulsive system shifts to mode three. As a result of the inability of the detonation wave to propagate upstream, a steady oblique shock system is established just upstream of the convergent-divergent nozzle to initiate combustion. And finally, the propulsion system progresses on to mode four operation, consisting purely of a pulsed detonation rocket for high Mach number flight and use in the upper atmosphere as is needed for orbital insertion. Modes three and four appear to be a fairly significant challenge to implement, while the challenge of implementing modes one and two may prove to be a more practical goal in the near future. A vast number of potential applications exist for a propulsion system that would utilize modes one and two, namely a high Mach number hypersonic cruise vehicle. There is particular interest in the dynamics of mode one operation, which is the subject of this study. Several advantages can be obtained by use of this technology. Geometrically, the propulsion system is fairly simple and the rapid combustion process results in an engine cycle which is more efficient compared to its combined-cycle counterparts. The flow path geometry consists of an inlet system, followed just downstream by a mixing chamber where an ejector structure is placed within the flow path. Downstream of the ejector structure is a duct leading to a convergent-divergent nozzle. During mode one operation and within the ejector, products from the detonation of a stoichiometric hydrogen/air mixture are exhausted directly into the surrounding secondary air stream. Mixing then occurs between both the primary and secondary flow streams, at which point the air mass containing the high pressure, high temperature reaction products is convected downstream towards the nozzle. The engine cycle is engineered to a specific number of detonations per second, creating the pulsating characteristic of the primary flow. The pulsing nature of the primary flow serves as a momentum augmentation, enhancing the thrust and specific impulse at low speeds. Consequently, it is necessary to understand the transient mixing process between the primary and secondary flow streams occurring during mode one operation. Using OPENFOAMĀ®, a numerical tool is developed to simulate the dynamics of the turbulent detonation process along with detailed chemistry in order to understand the physics involved with the stream interactions. The computational code has been developed within the framework of OPENFOAMĀ®, an open-source alternative to commercial CFD software. A conservative formulation of the Farve averaged Navier-Stokes equations are used to facilitate programming and numerical stability. Time discretization is accomplished by using the Crank-Nicolson method, achieving second-order convergence in time. Species mass fraction transport equations are implemented and a Seulex ODE solver was used to resolve the system of ordinary differential equations describing the hydrogen-air reaction mechanism detailed in Appendix A. The Seulex ODE solution algorithm is an extrapolation method based on the linearly implicit Euler method with step size control. A second-order total variation diminishing method with a modified Sweby ux limiter was used for space discretization. And finally the use of operator splitting (PISO algorithm, and chemical kinetics) is essential due to the significant differences in characteristic time scales evolving simultaneously in turbulent reactive flow. Capturing the turbulent nature of the combustion process was done using the k-w-SST turbulence model, as formulated by, [1]. Mentor's formulation is well suited to resolve the boundary layer while remaining relatively insensitive to freestream conditions, blending the merits of both the k-w and k-E models. Further developement of the tool is possible, most notably with the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation application. NPSS allows the user to take advantage of a zooming functionality in which high-fidelity models of engine components can be integrated into NPSS models, allowing for a more robust propulsion system simulation. A more comprehensive understanding of the multi-mode ejector-augmented pulsed detonation rocket engine can be achieved with a systematic study of the impact pulsed flow has on thrust production. Although a significant increase in computational requirements, adding nozzle geometry to this study would illuminate any problems associated with pulsed flow through a nozzle. Additionally, a study including nozzle geometry would bring more clarity in regards to the efficiency of the propulsion design.

A Performance Analysis of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) Propulsion System for Single-stage-to-orbit Vehicle Applications

A Performance Analysis of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) Propulsion System for Single-stage-to-orbit Vehicle Applications PDF Author: Nehemiah Joel Williams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 131

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Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engines combine the best performance characteristics of air-breathing systems such as ramjets and scramjets with rockets with the goal of increasing payload/structure and propellant performance and thus making low earth orbit (LEO) more readily accessible. The idea of using RBCC engines for Single-Stage-To- Orbit (SSTO) trans-atmospheric acceleration is not new, but has been known for decades. Unfortunately, the availability of detailed models of RBCC engines is scarce. This thesis addresses the issue through the construction of an analytical performance model of an ejector rocket in a dual combustion propulsion system (ERIDANUS) RBCC engine. This performance model along with an atmospheric model, created using MATLAB was designed to be a preliminary 'proof-of-concept' which provides details on the performance and behavior of an RBCC engine in the context of use during trans-atmospheric acceleration, and also to investigate the possibility of improving propellant performance above that of conventional rocket powered systems. ERIDANUS behaves as a thrust augmented rocket in low speed flight, as a ramjet in supersonic flight, a scramjet in hypersonic flight, and as a pure rocket near orbital speeds and altitudes. A simulation of the ERIDANUS RBCC engine's flight through the atmosphere in the presence of changing atmospheric conditions was performed. The performance code solves one-dimensional compressible flow equations while using the stream thrust control volume method at each station component (e.g. diuser, burner, and nozzle) in all modes of operation to analyze the performance of the ERIDANUS RBCC engine. Plots of the performance metrics of interest including specific impulse, specific thrust, thrust specific fuel consumption, and overall efficiency were produced. These plots are used as a gage to measure the behavior of the ERIDANUS propulsion system as it accelerates towards LEO. A mission averaged specific impulse of 1080 seconds was calculated from the ERIDANUS code, reducing the required propellant mass to 65% of the gross lift off weight (GLOW), thus increasing the mass available for the payload and structure to 35% of the GLOW. Validation of the ERIDANUS RBCC concept was performed by comparing it with other known RBCC propulsion models. Good correlation exists between the ERIDANUS model and the other models. This indicates that the ERIDANUS RBCC is a viable candidate propulsion system for a one-stage trans-atmospheric accelerator.

International Aerospace Abstracts

International Aerospace Abstracts PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aeronautics
Languages : en
Pages : 682

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