Particle Impact Simulation and Ignition Prediction

An experimentally calibrated tool is needed to predict if an oxidizer system is susceptible to failure by particle impact ignition based on use conditions, materials, and flow geometry. This tool will accelerate new components, evaluating existing hardware, and help disposition anomalies.

• Conduct particle impact testing with in-situ diagnostics and complementary simulations on subset of key engineering materials (IN718, M400, 316L, 6061, Ti64, Zr) to develop a proof-of-concept predictive tool for assessing the risk of PI for idealized geometries (spherical particles) in realistic environments.
• Assess particle/target interactions (coefficient of restitution, ignition, kindling) using instrumented particle impact rigs while systematically varying key parameters (materials, particle size, environment, target configuration).
• Determine key field variables (temperature, strain, stress) in particle impacts using Multiphysics finite element and hydrocode simulations validated through comparison with experimental measurements and observations.
• Synthesize experiments and simulations into constitutive models for PI that can be integrated with existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Debris Transport Analysis (DTA) tools in future efforts

This tool will accelerate design, assessing existing hardware, and disposition of anomalies. Given the number of vehicles in development, now is relevant for WSTF to collaborate with academia, industry, and the NESC to fundamentally understand PI. New testing technology in combination with higher fidelity flowing PI conditions performed at WSTF can anchor models of PI. Computational tools for modeling particle interactions with flow, and high strain rate hydrocode allow for fundamental understanding of ignition behavior.

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.