A Model Predictor for Chemical Laser Combustors
Abstract
This spreadsheet model attempts to replicate many of the empirical features observed in HF chemical laser combustors, or gain generators, from time-start. The model, dubbed HYFLAME, is constructed from control volume analyses of the combustor vessel that are described by modules depicting the simplified combustion thermochemistry, fluid mechanics for one-dimensional steady nozzle flow, chemical kinetics in frozen flow, simplified heat transfer analyses, and a simple thermal-structural model. Model outputs include combustor plenum pressures, combustor stagnation temperatures, combustor core temperatures, and average temperatures of the vessel walls. The model's principal value is to compute a key laser performance parameter, the time dependent F-Atom flow rate mdotF, which cannot be easily measured. Other equally elusive performance variables are the degree of fluorine dissociation and heat flux loss to the vessel. This variable is computed as a function of time for the Alpha Laser HL911-003 case. In principle for the same combustor, the model can predicted the numerous performance variables, given a new set of reagent flow rates as inputs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA401289
Entities
People
- M. A. Kwok
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation