CFD Investigation of Air Entrainment caused by Supersonic Engine Plumes

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Raumfahrtantriebe (TUM-ED)

Typ

Bachelorarbeit / Semesterarbeit /

Inhalt

 

Beschreibung

The rapid expansion of the space sector, coupled with the imperative for sustainable and resilient operations,
necessitates new and flexible propulsion test infrastructure. Governments, agencies, and commercial entities from start-ups to industry leaders are driving innovation in space propulsion. Consequently, access to
versatile, cost effective testing facilities constitutes a critical competitive advantage for the European space
sector.

The SPARK Facility features multiple adaptable test environments, full-scale propulsion systems up to 40 kN
for in-space applications as well as subscale testing of access-to-space propulsion systems.
Originally constructed in the 1970s as a specialized acoustic "Hush House" for the Alpha Jet propulsion
qualification program, the facility enabled critical full-thrust ground testing while strictly managing environmental noise. Today, revitalized as TUM’s flagship space propulsion research hub, it provides critical R&D
capabilities to the Munich NewSpace ecosystem.

As the facility prepares for larger-scale operations, it is essential to estimate the required airflow though the
facility to maintain a pressure equilibrium. This involves the characterization of the engine plume and viscous
mixing between it and the surrounding environment.

This Thesis will aim to develop a simplified plume model first in two then 3D if required. Development and
justification of relevant simplifications from real world flow geometry will be critical to this project.
A focus should be placed on efficient and repeatable convergence of results over a range of load-points.
Rigorous documentation of mesh qualification through mesh independence studies and justification of model
selection will be central to the successful completion of this work.

 

Tasks

• Literature review covering Plume and entrainment simulation
• Analysis and definition of the boundary conditions Required for the computational model
• Assessment and selection of optimal computational methodology
• Mesh development and Optimization including mesh dependency analysis
• Proposal of required changes to infrastructure to accommodate calculated airflow
• Documentation and presentation of results.

Voraussetzungen

Your Profile:

• Student in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with CFD (Ansys, Openfoam or similar).
• Interest / Experience in Fluid dynamics.

Möglicher Beginn

sofort

Kontakt

Alec Dent M.Eng
Tel.: +4915785643882
alec.denttum.de

Ausschreibung