Combined Effect of Diaphragm and Oxidizer Swirl on Regression Rate in Hybrid Rocket Motors

Palani Kumar Chidambaram; Amit Kumar

doi:10.14429/dsj.64.3770

Palani Kumar Chidambaram Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai
Amit Kumar Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.3770

Keywords: Hybrid rocket, regression rate, diaphragm, swirling flow, numerical study

Abstract

The present numerical work investigates the effect of a combination of two known regression rate enhancement techniques, namely diaphragm located in the port and swirling oxidizer flow at the inlet. Diaphragm enhances regression rate by heat transfer enhancement due to recirculation zone whereas swirling flow enhances regression rate by enhancement in radial diffusive transport. The use of diaphragm in combination with swirl was found to be more effective in enhancing regression rate compared with the individual enhancements by the two techniques. However, the net enhancement in regression rate using combined techniques was less than the arithmetic sum of enhancement from two individual techniques. Interestingly, the characteristic exhaust velocity C* is enhanced only if diaphragms are sufficiently tall.

Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 1, January 2014, DOI:10.14429/dsj.64.3770

Author Biographies

Palani Kumar Chidambaram, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Mr C. Palani Kumar obtained his BE (Mechanical Engineering) from Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore in 2004. He is currently pursuing his PhD (Aerospace Engineering) in IIT Madras. His research and work experience includes hybrid rockets, computational combustion and propulsion.

Amit Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Dr Amit Kumar obtained his PhD (Mechanical & Aerospace) from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio in 2004. He is currently working as Associate professor in the department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras. His research work and area of expertise includes hybrid propulsion, computational combustion, fire safety (microgravity to terrestrial environments), electric propulsion and DDT.