Advanced Nongray Radiation Module in the LOCI Framework for Combustion CFD, Phase II

Radiative heat fluxes are important in the design of launch vehicles for Project Constellation. In this Phase II STTR, CFDRC and its partner Mississippi State University will develop an innovative, comprehensive, high fidelity radiation module in the LOCI CFD framework that will enable NASA to design/analyze heat transfer challenges that include radiation. In Phase I, CFDRC/MSU successfully demonstrated the feasibility of developing a radiation module in LOCI-Chem. A preliminary module was developed that included a gray gas model, as well as simplified nongray gas and particulate radiation capabilities. Following successful implementation and validation, LOCI-Chem with the radiation module was successfully applied to a Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) plume on a launch pad as a demonstration case. The proposed Phase II effort continues the development by: 1) implementing more accurate, robust nongray gas and particle radiation models, 2) increasing tool-fidelity by developing innovative methodologies to minimize modeling uncertainties, 3) formally verifying the module using the Method of Manufactured Solutions (MMS), and 4) validating the module and applying it to cases of direct relevance to NASA. NASA, ATK, and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will be beta testers of the software in Phase II, and provide user feedback. At the end of Phase II, a final version of the software with full documentation will be delivered to NASA.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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