Direct observation of two phase flow generated by an alumina seeded grain in high aspect ratio channels
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Authors
Fahlenkamp, Keith B.
Subjects
Advisors
Brophy, Christopher
Date of Issue
2010-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Adding appropriate amounts of aluminum to solid rocket propellant improves energy performance by increasing both the specific impulse and propellant energy density. However, as the propellant combusts, the aluminum is oxidized into alumina (Al2O3) which tends to agglomerate into relatively large molten droplets under the right flow conditions, and may cause significant two-phase flow losses, potentially catastrophic nozzle erosion, and a potentially increased burn rate as a result of erosive burning. Significant research has been conducted regarding agglomerate formation at the propellant surface and agglomerate impact on nozzle erosion, but little is known about agglomerate behavior within high aspect ratio regions of advanced propellant grain designs and how this behavior affects flow through the combustion chamber and impacts erosive burning. An experiment was designed to image agglomerate behavior within these regions. The experimental method was validated using an inert calibration grain containing known alumina particulates. The primary goal of this thesis was to establish a working experimental setup and method that can be used to evaluate agglomerate flow for actual propellant samples.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 89 p.: col. ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.