Project Title:

The Chemical Kinetics of LOx/Hydrocarbon Combustion

11.03-1966
The Chemical Kinetics of LOx/Hydrocarbon Combustion
Software and Engineering Associates Inc.
1000 E. William Street, Suite 200
Carson City, N

89701
Gary R.
Nickerson
(702-882-1966)
MSFC

Abstract:

Analytical methods and computer software will be developed for characterizing the
chemical kinetic mechanisms that control LOx-hydrocarbon combustion in rocket engines.
An innovative and highly general method will be applied to model combustion as it
occurs in gas generators for pump fed engines. The method will then be extended to
model other non-equilibrium processes, for example, the injection of gas generator
exhaust into the primary nozzle boundary layer and its effect on performance and
wall cooling. Other areas to be examined are:  sooting, ignition, oxygen-rich combustion,
and the relationship between kinetics and mixing. A generalized chemistry package
coupled to an implicit, stable numerical integration package will be used. The Phase
I effort will provide a "proof-of-concept" and a study plan for Phase II that should
result in a valuable design tool for the development of large liquid rocket engines.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:   The results of this project may allow substantial
cost savings in the development of liquid rocket engines.