Analysis of Physical and Numerical Factors for Prediction of UV Radiation from High Altitude Two-Phase Plumes (Preprint)

摘要

Numerical study of a 5,900 lb solid propellant thruster plume at an altitude of 118 km is performed using a combined multi-step continuum/kinetic approach. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the flow inside the nozzle and the first several meters into the plume. The DSMC method is used to simulate the remaining plume and the plume-free stream interaction. A Monte Carlo based radiation code is applied in an overlay mode to calculate UV radiation in the near and far field of the plume. The computations take into account both alumina particles and soot. The effect of alumina particle emissivities and size distribution, as well as soot concentration, on UV radiation is clarified. Comparison of numerical results with available UV measurements is conducted.