Numerical and Experimental Methodology to Optimize Propellant Injection, Mixing, and Response in Rotating Detonation Engines

This proposal aims to develop computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to quantify how a revolving detonation wave impacts fuel injection performance within a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE). The RDRE is an innovative propulsion technology emphasized by the Advanced Propulsion NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate to expand the capabilities of lander class boosters, upper stages and launch vehicle engines beyond the limits of traditional chemical rocket engines. Inside this rocket engine combustor, a strong detonation wave consumes axially injected propellants as it periodically travels in the tangential direction. At the passage of the high-pressure detonation wave, the propellant injection drastically reduces or even reverses directions and promotes propellant injection non-uniformity which damages RDRE performance and stability. To better understand how to design backflow resistive injectors and reach NASA pressure-gain combustion program objectives, this study will follow novel multiphase modeling approaches to capture the liquid-gas interface, evaporation, droplet formation and combustion dynamics within the RDRE environment. Next, simulation data on spray response will be used to guide experimentation to temporally and spatially resolve the liquid spray structure using previously demonstrated techniques. To experimentally observe spray response, a transparent combustion chamber will allow lasers to fluoresce the liquid fuel while a set of high-speed cameras capture the spray structure from different angles. Upon experimental validation of these models, efforts will be made to reduce computational complexity and solver time for efficient application towards design optimization of backflow resistive and well mixing injector geometries.

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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