Computational fluid dynamics studies of nuclear rocket performanceA CFD analysis of a low pressure nuclear rocket concept is presented with the use of an advanced chemical kinetics, Navier-Stokes code. The computations describe the flow field in detail,including gas dynamic, thermodynamic and chemical properties, as well as global performance quantities such as specific impulse. Computational studies of several rocket nozzle shapes are conducted in an attempt to maximize hydrogen recombination. These Navier-Stokes calculations, which include real gas and viscous effects, predict lower performance values than have been reported heretofore.
Document ID
19910067827
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stubbs, Robert M. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Benson, Thomas J. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Kim, Suk C. (NASA Lewis Research Center; Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)