Abstract
A research program was carried out to validate numerical simulation of the flow and combustion processes in the combustion chamber of a solid fuel ramjet with experimental results. Experimental data were obtained by burning cylindrical fuel grains made of polyethylene in a solid fuel ramjet using a connected pipe facility. For numerical simulation a computer code describing two-dimensional, steady-state turbulent flows through channels with and without a sudden expansion was developed. Three different combustion models are incorporated, one based on finite-rate chemical kinetics, the other two based on the diffusion flame concept. For the validation, emphasis was laid on comparing regression rate data in relation to chamber pressure, air mass flow, inlet air temperature, and step height. Attention was also paid to reattachment length, temperature, and C2 and CH concentrations. In some cases, a comparison with findings from other investigators was also made. The results show good agreement between predicted and observed behavior downstream of the recirculation zone. In the recirculation zone, however, the agreement is rather poor and can be attributed to the inability of the k-e model to predict heat transfer behind a rearward facing step accurately. It is shown that the effective heat of gasification of the fuel is an important parameter. A better understanding of its behavior in relation to combustion chamber conditions is needed. Computed regression rate data are relatively insensitive to the combustion model employed.
Published Version
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