Project Title:

Vented Nozzle Concept for Optimum Performance of Launch Vehicles

09.06-6576A
Vented Nozzle Concept for Optimum Performance of Launch Vehicles
CFD Research Corporation
3313 Bob Wallace Avene, Suite 205
Huntsville
AL
35805
Andrzej J.
Przekwas
(205-536-6576)
MSFC

Abstract:

The vented nozzle is an innovative concept to modulate the nozzle flow area during
flight of a launch vehicle and improve the nozzle performance. The nozzle walls are
vented through a series of spring loaded check valves to allow continuous and passive
adjustment of exhaust to ambient pressures and to reduce the transient start loads
on the nozzle. In Phase I, an existing CFD code will be used to examine the feasibility
of the concept. A spacecraft nozzle, such as the SSME nozzle, will be analyzed with
several vent configurations. Performance parameters and flow distributions will be
studied for several pressure ratios to simulate operation at various altitudes. Effects
of protrusions in the flow, introduced upstream of check valves to enhance the reliability
of their operation, will also be analyzed. In Phase II, operational questions such
as side loads due to failed valves would be analyzed and an optimum nozzle design
would be developed and tested. The adapted CFD code may also serve as a valuable
design tool.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications would only be in the design of rocket
nozzles for launch vehicles.