Startup Analysis Simulator for a Small Staged Combustion–Cycle Engine Powerpack

Abstract

In general, staged combustion-cycle engines have higher propulsion efficiency than that of open-cycle engines, prompting further research to develop the next generation of the former type of engines. Especially when it is on the development stage, a liquid rocket engine system may show unpredictable behavior affected by pressure and/or temperature variation. In addition, it is more dangerous when the engine is on the starting process. Therefore, prediction of the engine start up is very important both for the development of liquid rocket engines, and for preventing unfortunate accidents. In this study, a startup analysis simulator was developed for staged combustion-cycle engine powerpacks. This simulator can predict such various engine parameters as propellant flow rates, pressures temperature, and rotational speed of the turbopumps as functions of time. It is validated by comparison to real combustion test results. The tests were performed for an 8-tonf class engine. As a result, this simulator showed good agreement with the test results, not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively. This study confirms that the proposed simulator is suitable for starup analysis; furthermore, it can indicate appropriate startup operation.