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NPAC-Nozzle Performance Analysis Code

A simple and accurate nozzle performance analysis methodology has been developed. The geometry modeling requirements are minimal and very flexible, thus allowing rapid design evaluations. The solution techniques accurately couple: continuity, momentum, energy, state, and other relations which permit fast and accurate calculations of nozzle gross thrust. The control volume and internal flow analyses are capable of accounting for the effects of: over/under expansion, flow divergence, wall friction, heat transfer, and mass addition/loss across surfaces. The results from the nozzle performance methodology are shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental data for a variety of nozzle designs over a range of operating conditions.

Barnhart, Paul J.

Steady and Unsteady Nozzle Simulations Using the Conservation Element and Solution Element Method

This paper presents results from computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of a three-stream plug nozzle. Time-accurate, Euler, quasi-1D and 2D-axisymmetric simulations were performed as part of an effort to provide a CFD-based approach to modeling nozzle dynamics. The CFD code used for the simulations is based on the space-time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CESE) method. Steady-state results were validated using the Wind-US code and a code utilizing the MacCormack method while the unsteady results were partially validated via an aeroacoustic benchmark problem. The CESE steady-state flow field solutions showed excellent agreement with solutions derived from the other methods and codes while preliminary unsteady results for the three-stream plug nozzle are also shown. Additionally, a study was performed to explore the sensitivity of gross thrust computations to the control surface definition. The results showed that most of the sensitivity while computing the gross thrust is attributed to the control surface stencil resolution and choice of stencil end points and not to the control surface definition itself.Finally, comparisons between the quasi-1D and 2D-axisymetric solutions were performed in order to gain insight on whether a quasi-1D solution can capture the steady and unsteady nozzle phenomena without the cost of a 2D-axisymmetric simulation. Initial results show that while the quasi-1D solutions are similar to the 2D-axisymmetric solutions, the inability of the quasi-1D simulations to predict two dimensional phenomena limits its accuracy.

Nozzle gross thrust calculations

An approximate theoretical method for modeling the static thrust performance of non-axisymmetric two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles

An analytical/numerical method has been developed to predict the static thrust performance of non-axisymmetric, two-dimensional convergent-divergent exhaust nozzles. Thermodynamic nozzle performance effects due to over- and underexpansion are modeled using one-dimensional compressible flow theory. Boundary layer development and skin friction losses are calculated using an approximate integral momentum method based on the classic karman-Polhausen solution. Angularity effects are included with these two models in a computational Nozzle Performance Analysis Code, NPAC. In four different case studies, results from NPAC are compared to experimental data obtained from subscale nozzle testing to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of the NPAC method. In several cases, the NPAC prediction matched experimental gross thrust efficiency data to within 0.1 percent at a design NPR, and to within 0.5 percent at off-design conditions.

Hunter, Craig A.

Further Improvements to Nozzle Boundary Layer Calculations in BLIMPJ

Further improvements made to advance the current Boundary Layer Integral Matrix Procedure - Version J (BLIMPJ) containing previously modeled simplified calculation methods by accounting for condensed phase, thick boundary layer and free stream turbulence effects are discussed. The condensed phase effects were included through species composition effect considered via input to the code and through particle damping effect considered via a turbulence model. The thrust loss calculation procedure for thick boundary layer effects was improved and the optimization of net thrust with respect to nozzle length was performed. The effects of free stream turbulence were approximately modeled in the turbulence model.

Praharaj, S. C.

Evaluation of a simplified gross thrust calculation method for a J85-21 afterburning turbojet engine in an altitude facility

A simplified gross thrust calculation method was evaluated on its ability to predict the gross thrust of a modified J85-21 engine. The method used tailpipe pressure data and ambient pressure data to predict the gross thrust. The method's algorithm is based on a one-dimensional analysis of the flow in the afterburner and nozzle. The test results showed that the method was notably accurate over the engine operating envelope using the altitude facility measured thrust for comparison. A summary of these results, the simplified gross thrust method and requirements, and the test techniques used are discussed in this paper.

Baer-Riedhart, J. L.

SSME thrust chamber modeling with Navier Stokes equations

The capability of predicting two-dimensional, compressible and reacting flow in the combustion chamber and nozzle of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is demonstrated. A nonorthogonal body fitted coordinate system has been used to represent the combustor and nozzle geometry. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the entire thrust chamber with the k-epsilon turbulence model accounting for compressibility and large pressure gradients effects. Results of the computational test cases reveal all expected features of the transonic nozzle flows including location of sonic line, internal shock and boundary layer build-up. Calculated performance parameters such as thrust, flow rate, and specific impulse are also in reasonble agreement with available data. The results show promising potential of solving full Navier-Stokes equations with heat transfer and two-phase combustion in truly comprehensive modeling of rocket engines.

Przekwas, A. J.

Analysis and Optimization of Truncated Scarf Nozzles Subject to External Flow Conditions

Results of a calculation of an optimized truncated scarfed nozzle were compared. The truncated scarfed nozzle was designed for an exit Mach number of 6.0, i.e., the Mach number at the last nozzle characteristic is 6.0, with an external flow Mach number of 5.0. The nozzle was designed by the Rao method for optimum thrust nozzles modified for 2-D flow and truncated scarfed nozzle applications. This design was analyzed using a shock-fitting method for 2-D supersonic flows. Excellent agreement was achieved between the design and analysis. Truncation of the lower nozzle wall (cowl) revealed that there is an optimum length for truncating the cowl without degrading the nozzle performance. Truncation of the nozzle cowl past this optimal length should be analyzed in trade-off studies for thrust loss versus gross vehicle weight. Plots of the oblique shock wave equations were also identified which will allow computation of slip line angle, dynamic pressure coefficient, or ambient Mach number for various specific heat ratios.

Shyne, Rickey J.