Reacting Flow Simulation for a Large-Scale Ram Accelerator.

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics solutions of the full Navier-Stokes equations have been used to numerically simulate the reacting in-bore flow field for the ram accelerator projectile propulsion system. In this system, a projectile and obturator are injected at supersonic velocity into a stationary tube filled with a pressurized mixture of hydrocarbon, oxidizer, and inert gases. Flow stagnation on the obturator initiates combustion of the mixture before it is discarded. A system of shock waves on the projectile, in conjunction with viscous heating, sustains combustion. The resulting energy release travels with the projectile. Numerical simulation utilizing finite-rate chemical kinetics has been used to visualize the flow field, predict the effects of variation in system parameters, and predict projectile in-bore velocity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA305179

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Nusca

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Dynamics
  • Equations
  • Flow
  • Flow Fields
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Kinetics
  • Navier Stokes Equations
  • Projectiles
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Ram Accelerators
  • Shock Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow