A Massively Parallel Framework for Low-Dissipation, Multiphysics Simulations of Rocket Engines

In this proposal, researchers from Cascade Technologies and Stanford University outline a multi-year research plan to develop large-eddy simulation (LES) tools to predict and understand combustion instabilities in liquid-propellant rocket engines. Rocket instabilities are a notoriously complicated, multiscale problem involving nonlinear interactions between transcritical multiphase flows, turbulent mixing, combustion heat release, and acoustics. Each of these technical areas will be addressed to some extent during the course of the project. Central points of the Phase 1 plan include: adding real-fluid extensions to the open-source chemistry package Cantera, running CFD validation cases at rocket-relevant conditions, assessing the impact of low-dissipation numerical schemes on liquid sprays, and developing a unified multiphase formulation to span subcritical and supercritical conditions. These activities will set the stage for additional model developments and applied rocket simulations in Phase 2. Conclusions from the Phase 1 studies will help prioritize and plan the specific research areas to be addressed during Phase 2.

- Pre-test prediction of combustion instabilities in rocket engines - Improve numerical methods for multiphase simulations - Improve modeling approaches for trans/supercritical flows - Advance scalability and improve HPC workflows for massively-parallel simulation tools

- Reduce design costs and speed innovation in commercial rockets - Improve efficiency and emissions in commercial aviation engines - Optimize fuel injection and emissions in diesel and IC engines - Increase fuel efficiency and system stability in supercritical power cycles - Surfactant and bubbly flows in environmental and biological applications

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.