Abstract A computational model of low-melting solid fuel regression in the combustion chamber of hybrid rocket engine is presented. The numerical model is based on a system of governing equations with simple effective viscosity model accounting for turbulence the gas phase. The numerical model takes into account heating of the solid fuel by the heat flux from hot gas flow, melting of the fuel and formation of the molten layer on the grain surface. The molten layer of solid fuel considered as incompressible, high-viscosity liquid; its mechanical interaction with the gas flow leading under certain conditions to the development of instability, formation of surface waves and shedding of molten material by the flow. Equations are solved on a Cartesian mesh by the Volume Of Fluid (VOF) approach. Simulations are performed for a slab of solid fuel (wax) with subsonic flow of hot gas above it. It is shown that the molten layer loses its stability under certain condition, resulting in the formation of waves on the surface of liquid layer. The results of numerical simulations agree qualitatively with known experimental data.
Highlights Numerical model for regression of liquefying fuel is developed. In hot gas flow liquid layer is formed on the fuel surface. Kelvin-Helmholtz instability development is demonstrated. Regression rate is shown to increase with gas flow temperature and velocity. Regression rate decreases with increase in the melt viscosity.
Numerical simulation of low-melting temperature solid fuel regression in hybrid rocket engines
Acta Astronautica ; 176 ; 710-716
2020-05-04
7 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
FULL-LENGTH PAPERS - Solid-Fuel Regression Rate Behavior of Vortex Hybrid Rocket Engines
Online Contents | 2002
|