Rocket Combustion Instability Suppression With Cavity Resonators

Abstract

Properly tuned Helmholtz resonator damping devices are an effective method for eliminating high frequency combustion instability in rocket engine thrust chambers. A program was implemented with the objective of extending Helmholtz resonator theory to thrust chamber conditions to establish a standard design procedure. By using systematic cold-flow testing and hot firings, empirical design equations were formulated. An effort is currently underway to extend the design theory to other types of acoustical damping devices such as quarter-wave tubes and slots.