Propulsion Chemistry for CFD Applications

Seca, Inc.

Huntsville, AL
 

Predictive methodology developed to determine the effect of using real fluid thermodynamics and physical properties in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes

• Methodology used when analyzing propulsion system performance and operational characteristics
• Developed real fluid thermodynamics and caloric equations of state, transport properties, surface tension and mixture rules to describe multi-component fluids at an extreme range of states for propellant and exhaust components
• Properties described in subroutines for use with CFD codes for  improving RP-1 injector element and hybrid propellant combustion efficiencies considering soot formation, fuel  pyrolosis and burn rate

• The new thermodynamic codes are being used by SECA for Lockheed Martin to analyze and design hybrid rockets for the  Integrated Hybrid Propulsion Development Program
• Contract with Lockheed Martin worth $600K.

• The new property subroutines used to support the Reusable Launch Vehicle designs of the X-33 and X-34
• This development took place during 1995-1996 under NASA/MSFC Phase III SBIR study and is worth $175K 

 

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