Particle Impact Simulation and Ignition Prediction

An experimentally calibrated tool is needed to predict if a 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. Year one and has been focused on what happens to particles and materials during impact. This year will continue to focus on what happens to materials being impacted; and increasing model confidence.

Ignition by Particle Impact (PI) in oxidizing environments fails hardware. There are no analytical tools for determining PI ignition risk in specific situations. Design against PI relies on: heuristics from material testing and component-level testing; often late in design NESC studied PI following the SpaceX DM-1 failure. This information is valuable but does not solve the broader PI problem for oxidizer systems (Oxygen; LOX; NTO; Peroxide; etc). An experimentally calibrated tool is needed to predict if a system is susceptible to catastrophic failure from PI based on operating conditions; materials; and component geometry. 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 early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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