Dynamic Behavior of Nano-Sized Particles in Novel Energetic Materials for Space Propulsion
Abstract
We report a comprehensive computational and experimental program investigating the characteristics and dynamic behavior of nano-size aluminum in novel energetic materials. For the computational portion, we employed (1) our in-house packing code, Rocpack, to generate morphologies of interest for heterogeneous propellants; (2) modified our solid rocket motor CFD code, Rocstar, to include appropriate models for chemistry, radiation, and nano-sized aluminum; and (3) simulated transient behavior of the propellants at rocket motor conditions. For the experimental portion, we (4) used the mixing facility at Purdue University to prepare appropriate propellant samples containing nano-sized aluminum, thus allowing for a full characterization of the propellant (composition; particle size distribution) necessary for a coordinated modeling and experimental program; and (5) carried out both steady and unsteady experiments to fully characterize the propellants. Our R&D program investigated the applicability of the Rocstar simulation framework for novel energetic high-density propellants, sought to establish the feasibility of an experimental validation program for these propellants, and provides a firm a foundation for commercializing the simulation software. The simulations were performed at lllinoisRocstar LLC and the experiments were performed at Purdue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506342
Entities
People
- Steven F Son
- T. L. Jackson
- William A. Dick
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign