Acoustics, Vortex Shedding, and Low-Frequency Dynamics Interaction in an Unstable Hybrid Rocket

Abstract

This paper deals with an experimental investigation into the stability behavior of a hybrid rocket where gaseous oxygen is fed with either an axial conical subsonic nozzle or a radial injector. The influence of the oxidizer-injection configurations on the motor stability is thoroughly examined. These distinct oxidizer-injection techniques allowed unveiling key and so far unreported features of the hybrid rocket combustion stability, especially emphasizing the role of vortex shedding which occurs in both the pre- and postcombustion chamber. Axial and radial injectors caused completely stable and unstable combustor operations, respectively, and this fact has been attributed to the fluid dynamics and unsteady heat release at the entrance of the fuel grain port. In particular, the unstable combustion in the radial-flow injector motor was dominated by low-frequency pressure oscillations, around 10-20 Hz. These low-frequency pressure oscillations were always accompanied by longitudinal acoustic modes. In some cases, the pressure oscillations abruptly increased, reaching peak-to-peak amplitude close to 70% of the mean chamber pressure, which is somewhat unusual for hybrid engines. Vortex shedding in the aft-mixing chamber is considered as the main driving mechanism of this latter behavior.