Keywords

CFD, reaction control system thrusters, multiphase flow, Eulerian-Lagrangian, Lagrangian multiphase, reacting flow

Abstract

In the current age of space exploration, the push to reach further to deep space presents a greater need for analysis and verification and validation of rocketry components in the space environment. Due to the nature of space, firings of rocket thrusters in space is a multi-regime problem. With the low density, pressure, and temperature of the environment, the resultant plume structure, seeded with unburnt fuel droplets, extends up to multiple orders of magnitude in distance as compared to a plume structure in the Earth’s atmosphere. The frozen droplets, or particles, create concerns including surface contamination and erosion, calling a cause for study and model development to understand particle behavior in this multi-regime environment. This work intends to develop a model to analyze and understand multiphase flow and particle behavior in this environment utilizing the lower fidelity, but more computationally efficient, RANS turbulence modeling. Particle properties are compared against a regime-defining parameter to understand the trends in behavior. Finally, the work closes out on a preliminary look into implementing fully reacting flow chemistry for the multiphase flow. These results and progress are promising in developing an efficient model that may be integrated into a hybrid model to better predict particle behavior and dispersion in this multi-regime environment.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Kinzel, Michael

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering - Thermofluids

Format

application/pdf

Release Date

8-15-2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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