CFD Simulation of gas flow in a 122 mm supersonic nozzle

Abstract

Developing a highly efficient supersonic rocket propulsion system requires understanding gas flow inside a nozzle. In this research, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was applied to investigate a gas flow behavior of a 122 mm, de Laval nozzle in a steady state. Based on an actual operating condition, CFD results showed the gas flow behavior leading to shock, separation, recirculation, reattachment, Mach number, total temperature, and pressure of the nozzle, consistent with the theory. In addition, the Mach number increases with increasing the nozzle's length, as expected. The results found can be employed to design a new high-efficiency supersonic nozzle.