Investigation of Rocket Exhaust Diffusers for Altitude Simulation

The design and operational parameters of rocket exhaust diffusers equipped to simulate high-altitude rocket performance on the ground were investigated and characterized using a comprehensive approach (theoretical, numerical, and experimental). The physical model of concern includes a rocket motor, a vacuum chamber, and a diffuser, which have axisymmetric configurations. Further, the operational characteristics of a rocket exhaust diffuserwereanalyzed froma flowdevelopmentpointof view.Emphasiswasplacedondetailed flowstructure inthe diffuser, to observe the pressure oscillation in both the vacuum chamber and diffuser, which determines the minimum rocket-motor pressure required to start the diffuser. Numerical simulations were compared with experimental data on startup and in operational conditions to understand the effects of major design parameters, including the area ratio of diffuser to rocket-motor nozzle throat, the rocket-motor pressure, and the vacuumchamber size. Nomenclature Ad = inner cross-sectional area of diffuser Ade = exit cross-sectional area of diffuser Ae = exit cross-sectional area of rocket nozzle At = throat cross-sectional area of rocket nozzle

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