Mathematical modeling of the dynamic processes during check valve operation in the branched reconfigurable feed system of a liquid rocket engine

Oleksandr Cherniavskyi, Serhii Shevchenko, Sergey Dolgopolov

Abstract


The dynamic processes in the branched reconfigurable propellant feed system of a liquid rocket engine (LRE), where check valves are used to ensure engine start-up, are the subject of this study. This study aims to develop a mathematical model of the dynamic processes during the operation of a check valve using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and perform mathematical modeling of the transient processes in the branched reconfigurable feed system during LRE start-up. The objectives of this research are: to conduct a series of CFD calculations of the pressure distribution on the poppet of the check valve, to obtain the dependence of the flow force acting on the poppet on the poppet stroke and pressure drop across the valve, and to simulate the transient processes in the branched reconfigurable feed system of the LRE during start-up. Methods used: CFD, computational mathematics, vibration theory, and impedance methods. The following results were obtained. We developed a mathematical model of the dynamic processes in the branched reconfigurable feed system of an LRE, which includes check valves. The impedance method was used to match the frequency characteristics of different branches of the hydraulic system, derived from systems with distributed and lumped parameters, in constructing the mathematical model of hydraulic line dynamics. CFD modeling was used to construct the mathematical model of check valve dynamics. The pressure distribution of the fluid on the poppet from the inlet side was determined as a function of the poppet stroke and the pressure drop across the valve based on the simulation results. This made it possible to calculate the flow force acting on the poppet under different conditions. The dynamic processes in the branched reconfigurable hydraulic system were mathematically modeled. During the joint valve operation period, the propellant is supplied from two sources: the start tank and the fuel pump. During the motion of the poppets, their longitudinal oscillations are possible due to a drop in static pressure when the flow through the valves begins. Conclusions. Switching to steady-state propellant feed from the pump occurred smoothly, without noticeable dynamic surges or drops in propellant flow to the gas generator.

Keywords


liquid rocket engine; branched reconfigurable feed system; check valve; mathematical modeling; CFD analysis; fluid flow force; engine start-up

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32620/aktt.2025.4sup2.10