Numerical Simulation of Ionized Rocket Plumes

Abstract

In this paper, a multiphysics numerical approach for predicting the ionization level in solid rocket engine plumes is presented. Ionization takes place in the rocket combustion chamber and in the exhaust plume. A low-temperature, high-density plasma is created, with small Debye length in most of the plume region. Ambipolar diffusion is therefore assumed for ions and electrons in the plume, and a set of conservation equations is derived to be solved by the numerical model. A number of numerical strategies to resolve this system is derived, as well as a novel scheme that enforces charge neutrality. This approach is integrated into a complex code for compressible, multispecies, turbulent flow simulations. The model is then coupled with a Maxwell's equations solver in order to simulate the radar cross section of rocket plumes. Finally, computations of ionization levels and radar cross section of a Black Brant rocket plume are presented.

Wave-packets in a reacting, imperfectly-expanded supersonic jet

“…The multi-physics in-house code CEDRE Refloch et al [54] has been used to simulate the flow. This code has been previously validated in the case of hot supersonic (Langenais et al [55]) and reacting supersonic jets (Gueyffier et al [56], Rialland et al [57], Guy et al [58]).…”

High-order computation of burning propellant surface and simulation of fluid flow in solid rocket chamber

“…The mesh deformation algorithms presented in sections III and IV are integrated into CEDRE [37], a numerical tool designed to simulate supersonic reactive gas flows [38]. This tool has been used to simulate a number of problems involving liquid and solid propulsion systems [39][40][41]. Spatial discretization of the conservation equations is performed using second order finite volume approach for general unstructured grids.…”

Numerical Simulation of Ionized Rocket Plumes

“…In this paper, we demonstrate that the mixture forms a high-density, low-temperature plasma with small Debye length in the bulk of the plume. The relevant governing equations are the ones for multispecies flows under ambipolar diffusion conditions [14], as will be shown in the paper.…”