Optimization of Second Throat Ejectors for High-Altitude Test Facility

Abstract

DOI: 10.2514/1.39219 In the present work, a second throat ejector using nitrogen as the primary fluid is considered for the creation of a low vacuum in a high-altitude testing facility for large-area-ratio rocket motors. Detailed numerical investigations have been carried out to evaluate the performance of the ejector for various operational conditions and geometric parametersduring thenonpumpingandpumpingmodesof operation.Inthenonpumpingmode,the lowestvacuum chamberpressureisattainedwhentheprimaryjetjustexpandsuptothemixerthroatandtheresultingsingleshock cellsealsthethroatagainstanybackflow.Thestudyillustrateshoweachgeometricandoperationalparameterofthe ejector can be optimized to meet the test requirements in a high-altitude testing facility byensuring that the primary jet completely expands without a strong impact on the duct wall. When the rocket motor is fully started, due to the self-pumping action, the required vacuum is almost maintained by the exhaust flow itself and the external nitrogen ejector plays only a supplementary role. Numerical predictions for both nonpumping and pumping modes of operation have been validated with experimental data obtained from a scaled-down model of a high-altitude testing facility.