Large eddy simulation of the nozzle flow and interaction with ambient air

Problem Definition: The atmospheric impact of rocket engines is linked to the evolution of the molecules and particles in the wake of the launcher. The wake is controlled by the flow in the nozzle and in particular the jet flow separation, which induces significant side-loads to the structure and had significant impacts on the design of rocket engine nozzles. Thus, up to now, numerical studies have considered an inert mixture, sometimes with adjusted thermodynamic properties. The present project aims to directly include the physico-chemical processes in the wake flow along with separation and shock, in challenging Large Eddy Simulations. In addition, possible interaction with the wakes of boosters will be also investigat-ed, as the water vapor released by Liquid Rocket Engines (LREs) may condensate at high altitude on the alumina particles released by the solid combustion, forming so-called contrails.
Research Objectives:

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) code AVBP developed at CERFACS will be used to:

Study the evolution of the emissions in the near field of the wake of a rocket engine fueled with various blends
Investigate how the reacting mixture impacts the nozzle and wake flows
Determine how the reacting mixture evolve in the near-wake and in the interaction with the jets from the boosters

Chemical reduction of the reacting mixture will be done using Cantera and Arcane Software.
Expected Results:

Nozzle flow simulations with reacting mixture taking into account the thermochemistry in the nozzle simulations using semi-detailed kinetics (ARC)
Study of the contrails resulting from the Aerosols (soot particles) in the near wake from a Liquid Rocket Engines (LREs) in interaction with the booster jets (alumina nano-particles)
Impact of the configuration to the near-flow on the final emissions considering various arrangements of full configurations of LREs and boosters

Secondments:

Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB, Brussels, Belgium, ca. 3 months): implementation of reduced chemistry schemes
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR, Hardthausen, Germany, ca. 2 months): analysis experimental data for numerical setup and validation

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.



Please find additional information in the Information package for Marie Curie fellows in doctoral networks (https://op.europa.eu/s/z831).