A novel structure for improving the service life of a propulsion system by controlling two-phase reactive flow

Abstract

Methods to control two-phase reactive flow induced by the combustion of propellant particles are important for improving the service life of mechanical systems. A novel groove structure was proposed to control the two-phase reactive flow. A two-phase flow model was utilized to predict propellant combustion in fluid fields and coupled with the transient heat transfer process. The numerical model was validated by comparing numerical and experimental results. Numerical results indicate that the groove structure effectively decreases the scouring velocity of two phases and the accumulation of particles near the barrel surface. The groove also reduces the peak temperature of the barrel surface, which contributes to less thermal erosion. Furthermore, shooting tests prove that the groove structure greatly extends the service life of the barrel. The findings of the study will be applied to improve the service life of propulsion systems.