Abstract
Abstract : In an effort to enable reusable, high-performing liquid rocket engines, a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation of the thermal performance (thermal stability and heat transfer characteristics) of RP-2 is underway at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Edwards AFB, CA. In the current work, the High Heat Flux Facility (HHFF) was used to provide initial RP-2 thermal performance information under conditions simulative of those encountered in the cooling channels of a real engine. RP-2 was thermally stressed while flowing through circular copper tube test sections. Short-duration thermal stressing tests provided heat transfer information which closely followed existing empirical correlations for RP-1. Effects of wall temperature, bulk temperature, and flow rate on heat transfer were observed and were consistent with expected behavior. Longer-duration tests at elevated wall temperatures provided the first steps in elucidating the conditions under which solid carbon deposits form. The test sections were analyzed post-test with optical and scanning electron microscope and carbon deposition burn-off for signs of coke formation. The results from these analyses indicate the presence of solid carbon deposition for high-wall temperature tests exceeding 30 min. in duration, although further testing is required to make more conclusive comparisons.
Published Version
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