PERCORP Enhancement for Improved Soot Modeling

This effort will improve plume signature prediction of hydrocarbon burning liquid rocket engines by increasing the fidelity of the soot production models used to predict exhaust conditions. The new models will include improved kinetic mechanisms as well as prediction of soot particle size, shape and distribution. The models will be correlated and verified through testing. An experimental rocket combustor will be designed and tested, one capable of creating both pre-mixed and intentionally unmixed combustion zones. The intentional unmixed zones used to cool combustor walls in many liquid rocket engines are responsible for the majority of the soot produced in these devices. Measurements of soot size and distribution will be completed at the combustor exit. Particles will be captured for SEM review. As part of the effort the PERCORP and VIPER analysis tools will be improved for easy of use and increased accuracy.