The Three-Dimensional Transient Simulation of Cross-Shaped Grains in Hybrid Rocket Motors

Abstract

The process of spacecraft entry, deceleration, landing, and ascent requires high specific impulse, high reliability, and high-precision thrust adjustments for the power system. The new hybrid rocket motor adopts a complex-shaped grain and high-energy propellant, offering high-energy characteristics, continuously adjustable thrust, a relatively simple oxidant delivery system, and high reliability, making it an ideal power choice for the above systems. However, due to changes in the characteristic structure of the three-dimensional complex flame surface degradation process, it is difficult to accurately predict the motor performance. In this study, changes in the flow field structure and performance parameters during the operation of the cross-shaped grain hybrid rocket motor are presented using fuel surface reconstruction technology based on a dynamic mesh. The spatial distribution of the fuel surface is analyzed, and the accuracy of the model is verified via firing tests. The results show that the deviations of combustion chamber pressure and thrust are less than 0.6% and 1.7%, respectively. After the test, the deviation between the simulated port area and the CT-scanned port area is less than 3.5%. The accuracy of this model is verified in terms of the above two aspects, establishing a solid foundation for predicting the performance of future hybrid rocket motors with more complex-shaped grains.

Keywords

• hybrid rocket motor
• transient simulation
• cross-shaped grains
• performance prediction
• regression rate