Index allocation for a reusable LOX/CH4 rocket engine

Abstract

Reusable rocket engines are the core components of reusable launch vehicles, and have thus become a major focus of aerospace engineering research in recent years. In practice, subsystem design is based on the overall index allocation of an engine; therefore, a multidisciplinary optimization approach is necessary. In this study, design of a reusable methane/liquid oxygen (LOX/CH4) rocket engine with a gas generator cycle was investigated using multidisciplinary optimization. Two parameters were chosen as design variables: pressure and fuel mix ratio of the main combustion chamber. Optimization objectives were specific impulse, structural mass, and life cycle cost of the reusable rocket engine, and constraints were assigned to each discipline according to rocket design requirements. Then, an optimization model was developed, and optimal design parameters were acquired for the LOX/CH4 rocket engine. The proposed method is effective for designing the index allocation of reusable rocket engines and takes into account the multidisciplinary nature of complex systems.