Two Phase Flow Tools for Solid Motors with Dynamic Burning Surface Recession, Phase I

The challenges of designing, developing, and fielding advanced propulsion systems continue to increase as NASA's Vision for Space Exploration Program moves forward with new solid propulsion elements ({i.e., Ares I and V). Our existing computational tool for solid motor analysis (BurnSurf) generates modest surface recession, but the mesh deformation techniques employed often fail as the surface regression increases, particularly near corners. For complex grain designs with highly complicated surface topologies (e.g., star shapes), simple mesh deformation is no longer desirable. Our proposed innovation will utilize surface mesh modification and volume mesh generation to locally rebuild the burning surface mesh and the adjacent volume mesh. The innovation will address integrated surface and volume mesh regeneration and reconnection techniques for modifying mesh topologies along with two phase burning surface models to create a unique 3D software tool for next generation solid motor internal environment characterization. Our research products will provide NASA with the important capability to simultaneously analyze solid propellant combustion, heat transfer, and grain burnback within a single framework. We will demonstrate feasibility of the approach using a two phase grain burning model coupled with surface recession for a simple shape in the TRL range of 3-4.

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.