| This study consisted of two main objectives. The first objective was to extensively document and verify the theory and numerical techniques used for internal circular duct flow where momentum and energy are coupled. Portions of this theory and numerical technique were derived as part of this study. A finite difference computer code was developed based on the Box method to predict coupled internal laminar and turbulent flow. The study focused on gas flow rather than liquid flow. The computer code was validated with closed-form solutions and other recognized standards. The code was developed in the FORTRAN computer language and was run on IBM personal computer.; The second objective was to examine the mechanisms of aluminum particle formation and breakup in solid propellant rocket motors. The aluminum particle formation, breakup, and burning were to be simplistically predicted for a given rocket motor environment. An understanding of aluminum particle behavior in propellants is essential to optimizing motor performance. An extensive literature survey yielded simple techniques for predicting initial aluminum particle size distributions and burn times. A subroutine was written for the computer program developed in the first phase of the project using these simple techniques. In the absence of test data, the model for particle size distribution is a good first approximation.; Concerning particle breakup, several studies have shown correlations between particle diameter and flow velocity; however, the trends were not totally consistent and information regarding test conditions and propellant composition was lacking. However, the literature provided some good background information for further study of this topic. |
