Unsteady flow evolution and combustion dynamics of homogeneous solid propellant in a rocket motor

A time-resolved numerical analysis of combustion dynamics of double-base homogenous solid propellant in a rocket motor is performed by means of a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) technique. The physiochemical processes occurring in the flame zone and their influence on the unsteady flow evolution in the chamber are investigated in depth. A five-step reduced reaction mechanism is used to obtain the two-stage flame structure consisting of a primary flame, a dark zone, and a secondary flame in the gas phase. It is observed that, for homogeneous solid propellant combustion, the chemical time scale is much greater than the smallest turbulence time scale, rendering a highly stretched and thickened flame. The chemical reactions proceed at a slower rate than turbulent mixing, and propellant combustion may be locally treated as a well-stirred reactor. The flowfield in the chamber consists of three regions of evolution: the upstream laminar regime, the central transitional section, and the fully developed turbulent regime further downstream. A theoretical formulation-exploring the chamber flow and flame dynamics is established to study the intriguing phenomenon of combustion instability. The work done by Reynolds stresses, vorticity-flame interactions, and coupling between the velocity field and entropy fluctuations may cause resonance effects and excite pressure oscillations leading to self-sustained unsteady motions within the chamber. (C) 2002 by The Combustion Institute.