Advanced Computational Technologies for Multiphase Internal/External Coupled Ballistic Flows

The development of a high fidelity, generalized computational framework with the necessary physical submodels incorporated for the analysis of multiphase, combusting, internal and external ballistic flows is proposed. The focus in Phase I will be developing a framework based on an existing unstructured multi-element, fully implicit, CFD code to provide an end-to-end analysis capability for internal ballistic flowfield systems. The key issue that will be addressed in Phase I will be the modeling of the densely packed propellant grains as they move and interact during the ballistic cycle. In the proposed framework the propellant grains will be modeled individually within the unstructured grid as discreet objects. As the grains undergo shape changes due to combustion, they will be translating, rotating, and colliding within the expanding volume as the projectile proceeds through the barrel. In Phase I we will scope out methodology to efficiently model a densely packed propellant bed within an unstructured grid topology emphasizing the application of the Cutcell method with adaptive mesh refinement developed by Professor Menon at Georgia Institute of Technology who will be CRAFT Techs research institution partner for this effort.