Swirled injector modeling for cavitating multiphase flow

Abstract

The goal of this study is to present a comparison between different approaches to multiphase injection modeling of self-pressurized rocket engine propellant. Swirled, tangential orifice injector of nitrous oxide, for an “N” class hybrid rocket motor is the object of the study. A brief descriptionof the injector purpose and geometry is provided, followed by a description of different approaches for flow modeling. Examined techniques range from 0D, Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (HEM) to 3D multiphase with mass and heat exchange between phases. Results of analyses are provided and compared with experimental data. The discrepancies between results are of significant magnitude but expected nature. Co clusions about most feasible approaches for engineering calculations are drawn.