Advanced Rocket Propulsion Technologies

ABSTRACT D&E Propulsion and Power, Inc. is providing this proposal for a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program with the goal of developing a transient modeling and simulation tool for liquid rocket propulsion turbomachinery that extends beyond the traditional means of transient modeling. The proposed analytical tool will be created in SINDA/FLUINT and will be applied to either the fuel or oxidizer turbopump on the Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator (IPD) engine. The modeling tool is being created such that engine system effectors, those components or geometry that are upstream or downstream of the turbomachinery influencing their transient behavior, will be modeled. This may include a component change upstream, such as a valve, or a geometry change upstream such as a propellant inlet duct. The proposal discussion includes background on the history of transient modeling in rocket turbomachinery and shows that this complex simulation has resulted in serious problems and cost overruns in past development programs. There is an obvious need for improved transient modeling capabilities in rocket engine system design. The modeling and simulation tool proposed here will provide a more sophisticated transient analysis factoring in the major influences of the engine system on the turbomachinery.