CFD Investigation of Loading Effects Caused by Supersonic Engine Plumes

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Raumfahrtantriebe (TUM-ED)

Typ

Bachelorarbeit / Masterarbeit /

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 analyze static, dynamic, and thermal
loading conditions prior to testing. The objective of this thesis is to develop a robust computational model
to assess future test scenarios, predicting exhaust plume cooling and damping requirements as well as the
structural boundaries of the mobile test infrastructure.

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 independency studies and justification of model
selection will be central to the successful completion of this work.

Where required, access to the facility will be provided to ensure a practical understanding of the scale and
relevance of the simulation.

 

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 convergence study
• proposal of Required energy absorption methods for 40kN Load case
• 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