Simulation of Structural Dynamics Effects on Rocket Internal Ballistics

Numerical modelling of the internal flow and combustion within a solid or hybrid rocket engine combustor is being undertaken, with the important inclusion of the structural dynamics of the surrounding structure (propellant/fuel grain, motor casing wall, nozzle assembly, etc.). Particular applications include the effect of an external pulse (e.g., due to a blast wave impinging on the forward end of a flight vehicle) on the development of an internal pressure wave within the combustion chamber that might lead to sustained combustion instability symptoms; another study concerns the evaluation via finite-element modelling of a more complex star-grain solid rocket motor, subjected to an initial triggering pressure pulse.