Swirl Coaxial Injector Development. Part II: CFD Modeling

Abstract

Abstract : Injector design is critical to obtaining the dual goals of long engine life as well as providing high energy release efficiency in the main combustion chamber. Introducing a swirl component in the injector flow can enhance the propellant mixing and thus improve engine performance. A combined experimental and computational effort is underway to examine the properties of GOX-centered, swirl coaxial injectors to examine their performance and lifetime characteristics. These injectors can be easily manufactured and can be designed to maintain a low face temperature, which will improve engine life. Therefore, swirl coaxial injectors, which swirl liquid fuel around a gaseous oxygen core, show promise for the next generation of high performance staged combustion rocket engines utilizing hydrocarbon fuels. The purpose of this work is to not only examine the properties of these injectors, but also to develop a design methodology, utilizing a combination of high-pressure cold-flow testing, uni-element hot- fire testing, and computations to create a high performing, long life swirl coaxial injector for multi-element combustor use.