Low-Order Models for the Evolution of Scalar and Vector Quantities in Supersonic Particle Laden Plumes

An advanced, physics-based CFD capability to accurately model the turbulence dissipation effects in high-speed particle-laden flows with heavy mass-loading is developed. As part of the Phase II effort, UMiss/NCPA will conduct experimental measurements in high-speed particle-laden flows with various particle loadings/sizes and acquire relevant data and flow visualization images at supersonic conditions for model validation. Modeling of turbulence dissipation due to heavy particle loading is particularly relevant to solid-propellent missile applications where modulation of the near-field plume turbulence will have a direct effect on the structure of the base-flow and missile performance, base drag, and thermal loads. CRAFT Tech will utilize the experimental and high-fidelity LES data to validate and refine a RANS-based turbulence dissipation model to accurately capture particle related turbulence modulation and deploy this upgraded model to enable prediction of particle size and mass-loading effects on the missile base flow. This work will provide an unprecedented CFD capability to accurately model high-speed particle-laden missile base flows with direct relevance to solid propellant missiles.