The numerical simulation of two-dimensional aluminized composite solid propellent combustion

A numerical framework is presented which examines, for the first time, the burning of two-dimensional aluminized solid propellants. Aluminized composite propellants present a difficult mathematical and numerical challenge because of complex physics and topological changes that occur at the propellant surface. For example, both mathematical models and appropriate numerical solvers must describe the regressing burning surface, aluminium particle detachment and evolution throughout the gas-phase flow field, surface tension effects, ignition and combustion of aluminium particles, phase change effects, agglomeration of aluminium particles, radiation feedback to the propellant surface, to name a few. All of these effects must be modelled in a consistent manner. A numerical framework for which these effects can be included in a rational fashion is currently being developed. This framework includes the level set method to capture the solid–gas interface as well as particle motion in the gas phase. Some preliminary calculations of the two-dimensional combustion field supported by a disc pack with embedded aluminium particles are presented.