We propose a theoretical model for predicting the impulse bit of bipropellant thrusters under pulse-firing operations. The present theoretical model, which considers the nonuniformity of the mixture ratios created inside the thrust chamber, extends the stream-tube approach, which is limited to the prediction of the steady performance. In pulse-firing operation, the fuel or the oxidizer alone can be injected in isolation due to the mismatched injection timing before the rated injection, which leads to the deterioration of performance as compared with the steady operation. The present approach (the unsteady stream-tube model) successfully implements a time-dependent stream-tube structure inside the thrust chamber, allowing for the prediction of the impulse bit as a straightforward function of the injection conditions. Three different pulse-firing tests using distinct hypergolic propellants demonstrate the validity of this model, typically reproducing the notable trend of deterioration in the impulse bit in the short-pulsed mode. We also examine the time-averaged specific impulse and mass flow rate to improve the impulse bit during short-pulsed operations.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Unsteady Stream-Tube Model for Pulse Performance of Bipropellant Thrusters


    Contributors:
    Oishi, Yuki (author) / Tauchi, Soma (author) / Inoue, Chihiro (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2022-05-27


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English






    Earth Storable Bipropellant Thrusters for Geostationary Spacecraft

    Nair, G. M. / European Space Agency / Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000