Development and Validation of a Numerical Model for Multi-Material Solid Rocket Motors

With modern additive manufacturing techniques, it is possible to produce Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) with multiple different fuel layers. This enables the development of SRMs feature a thrust curve optimised for specific mission requirements. To predict the behaviour of multi-material SRMs a numerical model was developed and implemented in OpenFoam. The model is based on the Coupled-Level-Set-and-Volume-of-Fluid (CLSVOF)-approach and combines a model for the surface regression with the model for the changing shape of the combustion chamber and its influence on the flow of the hot gases inside the motor. In this paper the results of simulations with this model are compared with experimental data. Specifically, the thrust curve and the pressure inside the motor are used to validate the model.