Analytical Study of Nozzle

,
/1!
"
--_"
,, tj
NASA
Technical
Memorandum
105251
AIAA-91-3578
Analytical Study of Nozzle Performance for Nuclear Thermal Rockets
Kenneth O. Davidian and Kenneth Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio
J. Kacynski
Prepared for the Conference on Advanced cosponsored Cleveland, by AIAA, Ohio, September
Space NASA, 4-6,
Exploration and OAI 1991
Initiative
Technologies
ffl/ A
,_ 4 2-1112 "J
s :_ -_. I_
Table
1. Analysis
parameters
and values.
throat allowed
radius and area ratio of the nozzle to vary to meet the target _rust
was level
Parameter: Chamber
Values Pressure: 10, 30, 100, 300, Temperature: System 2700, 1000, 2900, 3000 psia
constraint.
Analysis Chamber Propulsion 3100 K Results Figure Thrust Level: 10, 30, 100, 300 Klbf 1, 3, 5, 7 (I_). Ranges over
a_ 0.30 g _" _-_ 0=7.0
and Results which describe the
of the studies fraction
1. Mole
of I-I2 for different at Tc--3100

T _
chamber Number effect of Nozzles:

0.50
pressures
K.
L00
_ r Dotted lines denote fn_t derivative of
on specific
impulse
which the parameters were varied are given in Table 1. In each case, rocket nozzle performance calculations were made to determine the chemical equilibrium performance, and the detrimental effects of finiterate chemistry, boundary investigated conforms Air Force ology layer two-dimensional growth. A matrix using a computer flow, was which code and
300K
- 0.90 0.85 .--.
_:_ o.lo
Subsonic Figure
0.50
o.8o N
Area la. Chamber
_
Ratio pressure
_ _
Supersonic = 10 psia
[2DE q1.00
to the Joint Army-Navy-NASA(:IANNAF) standardized methodchemical liquid of 5 meters This

_ _e _ 0.30
for determining
rocket nozzle performance. A nozzle cluster exit radius was used throughout
the analysis.
radius corresponds to the payload bay size of the advanced launch vehicles formerly and currently development under consideration for (e.g., Shuttle-C and ALS). 4
0 90 0"85
0.10
Using this criteria, the entire nozzle assembly could fit into the cargo bay of these vehicles. As will be shown, the use of this maximum as a design maximum practical nozzle cluster size criteria corresponds condition. to a nearly
o.oo5 4
Subsonic Figure
3 ......." 1 ..... ....... _ _ 3

Area Ratio pressure lb. Chamber
s"
Supersonic = 100 psia

,1.{}0
performance
0.50 [ "0-- '_ 0.40 __'_ ,
In order to generate design study results with fixed exit area and thrust level as a test matrix parameter, a need existed to overcome the limitation of available codes which given plished Engine under calculate through Design development nozzle thrust based on input parameters. Expert This was accom-
_---_
oD_t
300K -_0.95 _ooK 30K _ 10K _ e_ Thrust (!b._0.90 0.85
c_ _:._
030
_a. o.2o,
!
the use of the Rocket System currently Lewis at the NASA
0 10
.%
\
2
0.80 _0.75
0.00 _
recombination hydrogen
of monatomic
to diatomic first,
are presented
and discussed
since this phenomenon is the prime contributor to the NTR nozzle's high performance. Next, the effect of varying the operating parameters on nozzle geometry and performance are given. How performance is affected by utiliTing mtthiple nozzles in a cluster is discussed next. Finally, the uncertainty of chemical recombination rates on nozzle livdrogen performance is given.
Superimposed on the recombination plots, in dotted lines, is the first derivative of the mole fraction curves. Where recombination occurs, the derivative is denoted Frozen conditions occur zero in the supersonic can be seen in Figures majority energy Nozzle release occurs by a non-zero value. when the derivative is of the nozzle. lc, the region. As la, lb, and
portion
of H2 recombination
and its associated
in the near throat
Geometry of the Rocket (REDES), called Engine Design 6,
Recombination release which accompanies hydrogen the high the (H) to of monatomic
A capability Expert System
The energy recombination diatomic
the Thrust
hydrogen
(H 2) provides
Dependent Engine Sizing (TDES) function iterated toward a desired thrust level while employing procedure rocket Two the rigorous 7 to calculate performance Kinetics JANNAF nozzle solution
performance for which the low pressure NTR concept is known. Understanding the recombination NTR process is key to understanding how the performs. Mole fractions of H_, computed using onedimensional infinite and one-dimensional finite chemical different reaction thrust rates, were plotted and supersonic levels and Pc values as a funcfor 1). (Figure tion of subsonic area ratios
I v. A liquid code,
nozzle
evaluation
Dimensional Table
(TDK) s, was used included in the
for the entirety
of this analysis.
1 gives the parameters
study and their values. Geometric parameters which define the contraction and near-throat region given of the convergent-divergent in Table 2. Other assumptions the nozzle nozzle which shape are
In all cases, the H 2 mole fraction starts at a minimum value in the chamber. The infinite and finite reaction rate results in this part of the chamber are identical because the residence time of the propellant time required rium, thereby tions to reach expands, allowing is much greater to reach than the equilibreacfor the reactions equilibrium. in Figure
were used to characterize included: the nozzle contour
was a parabola point circle
fitted to connect a tangent on the downstream throat and a specific the exit radius pulsion system be 5 meters, nozzle length
the recombination As the flow
exit coordinate, of the entire package pro-
moving
1 from left to right
along the curve toward the throat (where the area ratio equals one), and continuing along the supersonic portion of the curve, the rise in the H, mole fraction indicates the recombination of H into H 2. In all cases, thrust thrust nozzles nozzles equilibrium. dimensions, allow This occurs and a more more it is seen that the larger to being because gradual in chemical the larger throat rates to fluid accelera-
was set to
was determined geometric Ratio =
by
Table 2. Baseline Chamber
parameters. 5.00 Radius of 2.0623 Radius of 0.1900 26.25"
are closest
Contraction
also correspond gradual
to larger acceleration toward
Nondimensional Throat Upstream Curvature = Nondimensional Throat Downstream Curvature = Throat Upstream Throat Downstream Tangent Angle =
tion rate. The more appreciably
H recombination
occur, pushing performance reaction rate limit.
the infinite
Tangent Angle = 32.00"
Nozzle Length = 80% of a 15" Cone
Figure
2. Nozzle pressure,
IO s
area ratio
variation
as a function
of chamber
for To=3100 +
K, one nozzle. ........ _ l _......; .... 10K ...... 30K
........
10'
5 m Exit Radius
.............. 100 .....

TDK-BLM-TDK_
0
*._ t_ 10 3
/
I0=
I-"'-
_. - ""
<
101
10
!0=
10 J
10'
Chamber
the TDES function of REDES to with be 80% of a 15" cone nozzle
Pressure
(psia)
the boundary layer would become turbulem after the flow Re)mold's number based on momentum thickness of 360. achieved a preset value
the same throat radius, downstream radius of curvature, and area ratio, and is calculated equation, 9 (secot1) from the following r, (4_L. = 0.8 x
Because
the TDES
function
within
REDES
1) +RWTD
tanOt
kept the nozzle exit radius constant and varied the throat radius to arrive at a desired thrust level, the area ratio of the nozzle of chamber 2 shows chamber pressure pressure a typical temperature case. All plots of chamber varied as a level. arearalevels and the area raare given area rafunction and thrust for all thrust of 3100K of nozzle pressure 2, nozzle
where throat RWTD radius cone and
L. is nozzle radius,
length,
rt is the throat
Figure
plot of nozzle
E is the area ratio, and cz is the
rio versus
is the downstream of curvature, half angle
for a chamber single nozzle tio as a function
(15" in this case),
there was no spacing between nozzles in the 3, 5, and 7 nozzle

cases.
m Appendix. As can be seen in Figure
tios of 60,000:1 result in some instances. This is due to the combination of low thrust, high chamber pressure, and the fixed exit area constraint. In practice, relaxation of the fixed area constraint would likely occur because of nozzle weight and performance Small area ratios, less than thrust, tions. low chamber 3 shows pressure the nozzle temperature considerations. 10:1, occur at high operating length conditrend for of
Boundary
layer assumptions wall, chemistr3' layer, JA.N._AF
included:
an adiabatic equilibrium boundary the standard layer and
in the
boundary was used,
loss methodology
Figure
the same chamber
and number
nozzles given levels
as Figure in Appendix. are very
2. All nozzle Noz.zle
length level.
plots are Nozzle
However, nozzle performance nozzle
equilibrium losses
performance which
of a NTR and
lengths
at low Pc
must be decrememed
by real effects can be prexticted
sensitive
to thrust
lengths for higher thrust levels are shorter than those for lower thrust levels, because of the lower area ratios for those nozzles. The difference, however, nozzle between lengths lengths the 10Klbf decreases converge and the drastically toward a sin300Klbf
using the JANNAF performance
methodology,
standardized calcu-
code, TDK. s TDK
lates performance decrements due to chemical kinetics, two-dimensional losses, and boundary layer growth. Other loss mechanisms, to be including boundary mixing, vaporization and nonlayer heat losses, were assumed
and the nozzle
gle value as chamber pressure increases: This is the result of the area ratio increase with chamber nozzle dashed pressure, length due to the fixed exit area dethe of approaches a value sign condition. approximately case, values As area ratio increases, equation 3r, (shown converged
negligible, or not applicable to a nuclear thermal rocket nozzle simulation. After subtracting specific these losses from the equilibrium the resulting I_,. were for 5 is a varichamber performance pressures, Figure
impulse
(I_p) values,
as the horizontal nozzle of appresa length
performance Results plotted
was the delivered including NTR nozzle
line in Figure
3). For the single toward
all loss mechanisms
to show
proximately 590 inches at high chamber sures. In the case of three nozzles, the asymptotic length value is roughly
the entire range temperatures, representative were created ables (Table Appendix. To identify
of chamber and thrust
levels.
270 inches,
plot from the total set which over the range of parametric in the 1). All plots are given
for fix'_ nozzles, lengths approach 210 inches, and in the seven nozzle case, lengths converge toward a value of 200 inches. /_/ozzle Equilibrium Performance of a NTR nozzle as
the magnitude nozzle performance each module
of each loss was of the TDK
mechanisms, computed
performance
using
can be predicted to exceed 1200 seconds seen in the case presented in Figure 4. Figure 3. Variation _ressure.
6O0
program in a sequential based on one-dimensional
fashion. Isp values infinite chemical
of nozzle
length
as a function
of chamber
Thr_._t550 ",3
o_
{Ib_- ............................
_'..'.'.:.:..'.'.:.;.:.'.:--.'"""_ ....
....... ,---"
s 500 J" ,_
_ _
Area Ratio Limit To=3100 K 1 Nozzle 5 m Exit Radius 80 % of a 15 Cone Nozzle Length
"'lOOK ..3
b_ 400 45O
/
Z
_50 10
300K
102 10 3
4
IO
Chamber
Pressure
(psia)
Figure
4. Theoretical equilibrium nuclear thermal rocket
chemistry performance nozzle with exit radius -- 3100 I_ thrust ......
of a of 5 meters. lbf,
Chamber temperature single nozzle case. 125o .... _
level : 10,000 _ ......
$ m Exit Radius
(2) C9 1200
q)
U) -_ 1150
CL
E
i 1100
Q.)
lO5O
oz. r.O
1000 10 ...... f 10 = ........ _ 10" .... '''' 10"
Chamber
reaction rates were calculated with the OneDimensional Equilibrium Next, the one-dimensional tion rate performance computed (ODK) subprogram, (ODE) subprogram. finite chemical reacwere Kinetics subprogram Layer second pass in by an inviscid
Pressure
the isolated layer mate. plotted pass, losses
(psia)
two-dimensional boundary layer and boundary approximust be curves the ftrst TDK geomare losses during can only be considered carefully since the TDK
Isolated from using
predictions followed
interpreted
with the One-Dimensional
data computed a boundary layer
TDK computational etry, increases To legitimately
pass. The subsequent displaced
Two-Dimensional Kinetics (TDK) calculations. Finally, the Boundary Method of TDK Therefore, running TDK-B (BLM) subprogram, to this series. the nozzle were layer-displaced Isp values the series LM-TDK of ODE, codes. run, was added the boundary The
with a final TDK performance inviscid calculated ODK, core. by and
the inviscid core performance. show the boundary layer drag
calculated
losses as a function of chamber pressure, another curve would have to be plotted, based on the I,p calculated during the second pass of TDK in the TDK-BLM-TDK progression. Inf'mJte impulse reaction computational
TDK,
When
plotted
rate I=p(ODE) specific preshydrogen perforas Pc increases. of dissociated chamber This is due pressures, released
together, the gaps between the curves labelled ODE and ODK, and between ODK and TDK show how chemical kinetic and two-dimensional effects vary as a function of chamber pressure, respectively. The gap between the TDK and the TDK-BLM-TDK curves show the variation of boundar3" layer losses with kinetic and chamber pressure. The two-dimensional boundary dimensional layer losses rate. However,
start very high at low chamber levels at lower directly the increased
sures and decreases to the increased in the chamber which mance contributes through
to the overall energy
when recombination mance also increases
occurs, and the perfordue to the decreased
chemical taken together layer
are accu-
molecular weight of the propellant. As chamber pressure increases, the recombination of H into H_. decreases since the initial amount of disso-
due to coupling and boundary
of the twocalculations,
Figure
5. Specific impulse breakdown for 3100 K chamber temperature and 10KIbf thrust level, I nozzle with exit radius of 5 meters.
[
' _ 1 I
1250
.-.. 0
(_
1200
It,. __\[\ ODE t I _ _
.5 m Exit Radius .Parabolic Wall Contour .Adiabatic Wall .80% of a 15 Cone
I. I
Ideal 1-D Kinetic
u_ ,.4
2-0 Kinetic 10 Boundary l.aye
Q- 11oo E i
,,L
,.._,,,.
2-D Flow
"(")_(2)f'_ 1050_'_eCt1000 J') 950 101 [ ..... ! 10 = ............. 10 = - Layer Effect
Chamber
ciated hydrogen higher chamber (T=3100 in the chamber pressures. Only is diminished in one case performance above. This is lbf, one noz.zle, at
Pressure
nozzle.
(psia)
area ratio was to
In all other cases, nozzle consideration
a secondary
....
compared
K, and F=300,000
Figure A- 16) does the equilibrium fail to follow the trend described
hydrogen recombination effects. As can be seen in Figure 5, the ODE performance ence results is greatest are greater pressures, at lower than the ODK although chamber values at all chamber the differpressures.
due to the very large throat required to produce the desired thrust at the given chamber pressures. A large throat (< 10:1), which results in a lower area ratio of the reduces the performance
Because of relatively slow chemical recombination at low chamber pressures, ODE: perfor-
Figure
6. Decrements to I.v due to one-dimensional kinetic effects as a percentage of ODE performance for all operating conditions.
16
o F = 10,0()0 lb,
Pc = 10 psia_ __
_ _
12 10
= =3o,ooo,b, I
<> = 100.000 lb, I F
8
_ 6 4 2 ..... ===================== ......... ........ :::::::---:7_: ........ -:: ................. ================================== ......... . :-:.:._
r
M
_
Pc = 100 ps_
_ e.-
,i
= .... :::::::
o 27O(3
...........
2800 2900
Pc = 1000 psm
3000
-I
3100
Chamber
Temperature
(K)
Figure 7. Kinetic
performance depicting
efficiency kinetic
(I_(ODK)
divided
by
In(ODE)) conditions.
1.00
losses
for all operating
0.98 0.96
_--_ 0.94 _ 0 _ 0.92
: ,
/'/_;;;"e"-.'" f'_s, " _ - "
-/':" "p " ,"
/ /
oF., ioo,ooolb, ,,F=300,0001b, T_=2700K

T, = 2900 T, = 3100 K K i
! i
_
0.90 _
0.88
_.,
0.86
0.84 10
i ' I ; r i i i i i i i i h i i , ,
102
103
104
Chamber
mance, I,v(ODE). a percentage pressure converge I,p(ODK), Figure increases, in Figure is appreciably 6 depicts less than losses
Pressure,
po (psia)
in Figure closer very 6 by the kinetic moving represents losses to the horizontal small kinetic
This trend is reflected as loss curves axis, which losses. Kinetic
the kinetic
of equilibrium
I_. As chamber
the ODE and ODK values 5, because as chamber pres-
of 15% occur at low chamber
sure increases, the amount of H present is minimal and because recombination rates increase significantly as a function of pressure.
pressure and _bxust level, the precise operating conditions where the equilibrium specific impulse was predicted by ODE to be in excess of 1200 sec (refer to Figures 4 or 5). This is the (I_p(TDK-BLM-TDK) divided
Figure
8. Performance
efficiency
by I_p(ODE)) depicting boundary layer losses Single

1.00 0.98 O
._
kinetic, two-dimensional, and for all operating conditions.

.... I ....
nozzle
case.
_
(D
0.96
_T, 0.94
['_ O 0.92 0.90 0.88 r" 0.86 " " ,," " " , , oF=100,0001bf z_F = 300,000 lb, ! K
?
0.84 0.82 10 "
.5m Exit Radius Parabolic Wall Contour Adiabatic Wall 80% of a 15 Cone Nozzle
10:
T, = 2700
t
, i ,t
T .- 31_00 K
Length
I 103
10'
Chamber
Pressure,
po (psia)
major reason why such high nozzle performance cannot be attained at these operating conditions. Kinetic the I_,(ODK for the entire performance _divided matrix efficiency, by the I_p(ODE), defined as 7. is shown
I_,(ODE), which includes the boundary layer and two-dimensional losses along with the kinetic pressure, losses. This figure level, a performance This lowers of 1230 seconds value indicates efficiency that at low of 0.82 low thrust and for an exit radius the predicted to a delivered I_ at each
of 5 meters, Isp(ODE)
of pc, To, and F in Figure
can be expected. I_(TDK-BLM-TDK) The actual
As the extent of dissociated hydrogen present in the chamber increases monatomically with increasing trend increasing chamber chamber temperature, performance temperature the overall efficiency would be with of decreased
of 1010 seconds. of delivered
point provides the most important glimpse as to which parameters most affect the delivered nozzle performance of chamber of an NTR. Delivered pressure, I_, as a function for all chamber
expected, as shown Two-dimensional losses, as computed
in Figure 7. and boundary
layer
in the TDK-BLM-TDK
sequence of analyses, account for the performance decrement between the curves labelled ODK layer and TDK-BLM-TDK the two-dimensional subtract between losses in Figure 5. Combined, and boundary 1.5 and 3.5%
temperatures and thrust levels, is shown in Figure 9. From this figure, it can be seen that maximum 930 seconds of 3100 K. Also from Figure every increase chamber affect shows chamber sponding 200 K increase of delivered pressures, the nozzle pressures, 9, it can be seen that for in T, a 40 to 50 second I_ results. the thrust performance. a low thrust pressures, At low level can greatly 9 also at low Figure I_p value would deliverable Iq, values range between for a T, of 2700 K, to 1030 for a Tc
from the I,_,(ODE). Compared to a possible 15% loss due to kinetic effects, these losses seem minor. However, at high chamber sures where kinetic effects are minimal, two-dimensional/boundary major Figure ciency, contributor 8 shows the delivered layer losses to performance presthe 2% are the effi-
that, to get a maximum to high area ratios)
degradation. by
level (correbe desirthe changing
performance divided
Isp(TDK-BLM-TDK) Figure
able. For low chamber
9. Delivered nozzle performance, including dimensional, and boundary layer losses
kinetic, two. of an NTR.
1050
.... --:::_
-=.... ::::::,=__=.___.. _ ............
._.
__
Temoerature
2900 "'1_ .... " _- "."-'.":_'.... ''-:'__:-t_---_ 95o .4"-. ".o."- '-._ -
-- _-----_-_
_
2700 K
85O
b_ lb_ = 300,000
I
lb_
I i i , 4
8OO 10 10 a
103
lO
Chamber
Pressure,
p, (psia)
Figure
10. Cluster
configurations
of 3, 5, and 7 nozzles
used in this study.
r/R = 0.46 Area = 64 % of I Nozzle Area
r/R -- 0.36 = 65 % of I Nozzle Area
r/R -- 0.33 - 78% of 1 Nozzle
Three Nozzles
thrust level from 10,000 to 300,000 lbf
Five Nozzles
cases 80 to a (low chamber
Seven Nozzles
pressure and high thrust did the
decreased seconds. occurs
performance Higher
by approximately at low thrust corresponds more than
level for all chamber
temperatures)
performance this condition nozzle, which
because
performance penalty of going to multiple nozzles exceed 2% and reach approximately 4%. Because curves those mance shown of this, the resulting nozzles closely in Figure 9. Delivered in Figure performance resembled perforis plotted 11. The relato for multiple for To=3100
high area ratio
compensates for the reduced kinetic efficiency of a low thrust nozzle. However, at moderate to high chamber pressures selection of thrust level (Pc > 100 psia), the has little effect on
K and F=300Klbf perfomaance
for 1, 3, 5, and 7 nozzles tive insensitivity multiple because: nozzle of nozzle
performance. This indicates that I_I, at high Pc is insensitive to area ratio variations. Multivle An investigation nozzles Nozzles of multiple
configurations
was expected
into the effect
boundary layer losses were shown to be small, two-dimensional losses are insenand
on the performance
and geometric
parameters was conducted. Clusters of 1, 3, 5, and 7 nozzles which fit into the same five meter exit radius were investigated. Figure 10 shows the arrangement of each multiple nozzle
sitive to chamber pressure thrust levels, and little hydrogen occurs All multiple dix, Figures A benefit the geometric as compared Figure lengths number beyond nozzle A-19 recombination the throat. curves through
configuration. Ratios radius to the multiple
of the single nozzle nozzle radii, as well as
are given A-72.
in Appennozzles is
the percentage of area coverage by the multiple nozzle configurations, are given. In the stud3,, each configuration had an equal propulsion nozzle clusters system thrust level. For the most part. multiple consisting between their single of 3, 5, or 7 nozzles nozzle counterparts.
of the use of multiple compactness to single nozzle
of multiple geometries.
nozzles
12 shows
a comparison
of nozzle
performed oflsp) below In only a few
1 to 2% (10 to 20 seconds
for 1, 3, 5, and 7 nozzles. As the of nozzles (engines) increases to attain level, the amount of thrust per
a fixed thrust
10
Figure
11. Effect
of multiple = 3100
..... [
nozzles
on performance. lbf thrust

J
Chamber case.
.....
temperature
_0_
K, 300,000
.......
1 Nozzle 3,5,7
" looo 9so

960
Nozzles
9(1010]
!0:
10 3
_ , d_, , 10_
Chamber Pressure (psia)

nozzle decreases, but so does the exit radius per only on surface area) indicate that mass savings nozzle. The throat radius computed to attain the target thrust level resulted in area ratio trends which follow the percentage in Figure cluster length of a single by of a single Gains nozzle area trends utiliring nozzle (given 10). A 65% reducinstead of approximately 25% can be made cluster of five nozzles. Therefore, urations performance, be designed nozzles the propulsion which, although multiple slightly a cluster may decrease by using system for the configcan of
nozzle the nozzle
tion in nozzle
can be achieved
it is clear that shorter in turn, permits
nozzles
a five nozzle to produce
of multiple packaging volume.
the same thrust
level.
attained by increasing the number of nozzles from 5 to 7 are less than 5%. The results of Figure overall roughly nozzles Simplified Figure 12 combined delivered constant indicates nozzle analyses with the finding that performance remained in
into a smaller Reaction Rates
Chemical The chemical study (given tions made Speed Rate Constant
reaction
rates used in this on suggesPlane HighAerosplxce of the NASP Team _. as a percentage 1
with the use of multiple that substantial reductions package can be realized. weights (based of nozzle
in Table
3) were based
by the National Committee Technology expressed
the overall
Propulsion length,
12. The effect of single
of multiple length.
nozzles
on overall
nozzle Number
nozzle
of Nozzles
3 7
32 35
45 % Single Nozzle Length
100
11
Table
3. Baseline Reaction
reactions Rate
and rates. Eouation ": "I
be between the baseline of uncertainty, nozzle
a factor of 2 and 4.17 By varying reaction rates by an extreme factor 10, and recomputing the NTR
Reaction:
H + H + H2 _
H2 + H_ with k = 1.8xlOtST k = ].5xlOtgT
performance
at one set of operating in specific impulse for change in reaction rate are shown which in Figure
H + H + H .-o H 2 + H with A sensitivity
conditions, the change an order of magnitude was determined. 13. For chemical of 10 slower Results
study of the effect
of chemi-
cal reaction rate on specific impulse was performed. Chemical reaction rates are calculated in the TDK program tion,
lO00b
reactions
were a factor rates,
by the Ahrermius
equa-
than the NASP
suggested
values were approximately lower for chamber pressures
! 0 seconds (1%) under 300 psia. down
k = AT'-ne -(_--_) where k is the reaction rate, A, b, and n are rate temperature, To determine runs were lbf thrust level, the and the single were an order of than the baseline program and R sensi-
Above 300 psia, the effect of slowing the reaction rates seemed to diminish. For chemical of 10 faster reactions which than the suggested
constants,
T is the reaction gas constant. of computer
were a factor
is the specific values, a series
rates, the trend
tivity of the results performed
to the reaction
rate constant
for the 100,000
of I,p was approximately the same as for the slower reactions. An increase of approximately 20 seconds (2%) was seen in the cases where chamber increase chamber chemical pressure is less than 300 psia. In the however, kinetic a smaller This is at high was predicted. losses 300 psia case and above, in performance negligible due to nearly
2900 K chamber temperature, nozzle case. Reactions which magnitude reaction sequence slower rates and faster were input using
and the performance of reaction thought to
was calculated rate variation
the ODE-ODK the effect losses.
to determine on kinetic rates
pressures. Overall, the influence of reaction rates at all chamber prescausing 2%. nozzle a maximum varia-
The uncertainty
sures is secondary, tion of approximately rate variation temperature case. on NTR
in H recombination Figure
is currently
13. Effect of recombination performance. Chamber F=lOOKlbf,

990
is Tc=2900K,
single
nozzle
O to
V
980 970 960 95O 940
tO
Q.
E
n _ ._
eD
2. 920 09 93o I _
910 lO
7
10x Faster Rxns_ Baseline Rxns i

lO z 10 _ 104
Chamber
Pressure,
(psia)
12
Summary
of Results Geometric near-throat nozzle chemical to
Concludin_ parameters
Remarks which describe the of a
Nozzle performance of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket was calculated over a range of chamber pressures, chamber temperatures, and thrust levels. NTR performance delivered by dusters of multiple nozzles Recombination diatomic show process sensitive hydrogen occurs that a majority lengths to thrust were also considered. of monatomic hydrogen was investigated. Results of the recombination region. are very for lengths at low Pc levels level. Nozzle
region rocket
of the convergent-divergent to be representative The effect engine. of these
were selected
parameters on NTR nozzle Performance was not investigated, but the results of this study indicate limited studies maximize mizing mance describe that hydrogen recombination region. would is largely help to perforto an to the near throat the recombination Sensitivity
in the near-throat
of all these parameters the energy release of an NTR nozzle. assumptions the nozzle
Nozzle
of H to H2, maxiand delivered were made may have
higher thrust levels lower thrust levels, ratios increases, different nozzle), nozzle multiple
are shorter than those for because of the lower area nozzles. As Pc levels in for all thrust configurations lengths of 3re (1 and 1 Are (5 nozzles), infinite
Other
which geometry
for the high thrust lengths nozzle approach
effect on I_p if they were changed. the parabolic nozzle according to known
For example,
asymptotically r e (7 nozzles). Although 1200 levels, seconds kinetic
contour was not optimized methods. Although nozzle
1Are (3 nozzles),
one-dimensional, predictions at low pressure effects value losses
reac-
performance was shown to be insensitive to area ratio at high chamber pressures, extrapolation of these results for a nozzle with exit radius of 1 meter provide assumed instead of 5 meters might not accurate results. Nozzle lengths, to be 80% of a 15" cone, may be longer Finally, in reality for the high area were due variations approximations
tion rate performance
can exceed the
and low thrust
on Isp can decrement
equilibrium Kinetic regime. combine decrement range I030 thrust, perform between
by up to 15%. are minimized a relatively in the high p_ losses 2% I_ constant and boundary
substantially ratio regimes.
Two-dimensional to produce
used to calculate
the geometric
to multiple nozzle clusters. Differences may result from using realistic values to account for spacing between adjacent nozzles, etc. Boundary layer assumptions made were felt to be realistic and could be approximated an actual nozzle. However, the sensitivity of needs nozzle Performance to be investigated. Results impact programs on previous include: benefit can be presto wall temperature which may have studies or
for all Pc and F. Maximum 930 seconds they deliver nozzle at T c of 3100 K. the same
Isp values
between seconds multiple
at T of 2700 K to amount underof
in
Although
configurations
their single nozzle counterpart by 2 to 4% due to a decrease in area ratio efficiency of each nozzle. However,
of this study
and kinetic
or existing
the length of each nozzle in the cluster is shorter than the single nozzle lengfla. A 65% nozzle nozzle length cluster reductions can be achieved to a single level. by a 5 nozzle as compared
no Performance expected used 9), results
from low chamber constraints (refer
delivering
the same thrust
sure for the design in this study
An order of magnitude variation in the rates of the recombination reactions can cause performance than 2%. decrements or increases of less
to Figure
matched
presented reactor
!_,qERper-
VA derivative
(NDR)
13
formancedata,wherethe operating conditionswereT=2700 K, pc=1000psia,F=75,000lbf, area ratio = 500:1hadapredictedperformanceof 925 seconds,omc

pared to this study's..T,=2700 perforand specific temperaK, lbf, area pc= 1000 psia, F= 100,000 ratio = 463:1 predicted mance of 915 seconds, the maximum impulse attainable
Davidian,
Ken, "Developments
in REDES:
The Rocket Engine Design Expert System", NASA TM-103657, November 1990.
.
"JANNAF Prediction PUBL-245, tion Agency,
Rocket Engine Performance and Evaluation Manual", CPIAChemical Laurel, Propulsion MD, April, Informa1975.
Nickerson,
G.R., Coats,
D.E., and Dang, Kinetic Reference CRNASA
L.D., "Two Dimensional Computer Program, 17828, 1985.

,
for a chamber
(TDK)"
ture of 3100 K is approximately 1030 seconds, for T c of 2900 K, maximum imately performance 970 seconds, is approxand for Tc of performance is
Huzel,
Dieter K., and Huang,
David
H.,
"Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines", NASA SP-125, 1967. 10. Personal communication with Richard Laboratory, Old8
2700 K, maximum approximately
930 seconds. References
enborg, Los Alamos March 1991. Thermal Pro-
National
1.
Bennett, pulsion given Center, Workshop
Gary Program
L., "Nuclear Overview", Thermal
presentation Propulsion Research

'i
at the Nuclear 10 July 1990.
held at NASA
Lewis
2.
Parsley, R.C., Term Nuclear
et. al., "A Low Thrust Near Thermal Rocket Concept",
AIAA-91-3352, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (1991).

,
Clark, Thermal
J.S., "'A Comparison Propulsion on Space Concepts: Proceedings
of Nuclear Results Power of a Sysof the Eighth
Workshop", Symposium
Nuclear
tems, CONF-910116, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6-10 January 1991.

.
Borowski, Nuclear NASA's
S.K., "The Rationale/Benefits Thermal Lunar Rocket Space Propulsion for Transportation
of Sys-
tem", A/AA-91-2052, American of Aeronautics and Astronautics

.
Institute (1991 ). Design Octo-
Davidian,
Ken, "A Rocket NASA
Engine
Expert System", ber 1989.
TM- 102373,
14
APPENDIX FIGURES The figures described chamber chamber single one nozzle pressure length on the following Figures chamber unless pages OF PARAMETRIC graphically level), present DATA the results of the computational impulse pressure chamber (four). study versus plot, and are for the
in the report. versus
are grouped pressure otherwise
into sets of six plots: plot. Each of these nozzle noted.
four specific
plots (one for each thrust (three)
one area ratio versus configuration
six plots are repeated All curves
for each
temperature nozzle
and each multiple
configuration
Fig
A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 A-6 A-7 A-8 A-9 A-10 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-14 A-15 A-16 A-17 A-18 A-19 A-20 A-21 A-22 A-23 A-24 A-25 A-26 A-27 A-28 A-29 A-30 A-31 A-32 A-33 A-34 A-35 A-36 T,=2700 T,=2700 1",=2700 T,=2700 T,=2700 T,=2700 T,=2900 T,=2900 T,=2900 T=2900 T,=2900 Tc=2900 To=3100 T,=3100 T,=3100 To=3100 T=3100 T=3100 T=2700 Tc=2700 T,=2700 T,=2700 T=2700 Tc=2700 T,=2900 T,=2900 T,=2900 T,=2900 T,=2900 T,=3100 T=3100 T,=3100 T=3100 T,=3100 K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf K F=300Klbf K Area Ratio K Nozzle K F= 10Klbf K F=30Klbf K F= 100Klbf K F=300Klbf K Area Ratio K Nozzle K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf K F=300Klbf K Area Ratio K Nozzle K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf K F=300Klbf K Area Ratio K Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 1 Nozzle 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles
e.agt
.......... 16 .......... 16 ........ 16 ........ 16 ........ 16 16 .......... 17 .......... 17 ........ 17 ........ 17 ........ 17 .. 17 .......... 18 .......... 18 ........ 18 ........ 18 ........ 18 18 ......... 19 ......... 19 ....... 19 ....... 19 ....... 19 19 ......... 20 ......... 20 ....... 20 ....... 20 ....... 20
f.ig ati:imiea
A-37 A-38 A-39 A-40 A-41 A-42 A-43 A-44 A-45 A-46 A-47 A-48 A-49 A-50 A-51 A-52 A-53 A-54 A-55 A-56 A-57 A-58 A-59 A-60 A-61 A-62 A-63 A-64 A-65 A-66 A-67 A-68 A-69 A-70 A-71 A-72 T=2700 T,=2700 Tc=2700 K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf 5 Nozzles 5 Nozzles 5 Nozzles 5 Nozzles 5 Nozzles
gagt
......... 22 ......... 22 ....... 22 ....... 22 ....... 22
K F=100Klbf "1",=2700 K F=300Klbf T=2700 K Area Ratio
Length
1 Nozzle..
"I",=2700 K Nozzle Length 5 Nozzles 22 "I",=2900 K F=10Klbf 5 Nozzles ......... 23 5 Nozzles ......... 23 K F=30Klbf 5 Nozzles ....... 23 '1",=2900 K F=100Klbf 5 Nozzles ....... 23 T=2900 K F=300Klbf Area Ratio 5 Nozzles ....... 23 Tc=2900 K T=2900 Tc=2900 T=3100 T=3100 T=3100 T=3100 K Nozzle Length 5 Nozzles 23 K F=10Klbf 5 Nozzles ......... 24 K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf 5 Nozzles 5 Nozzles ......... 24 ....... 24
Length
1 Nozzle
Length
1 Nozzle..
K F=300Klbf 5 Nozzles ....... 24 Area Ratio 5 Nozzles ....... 24 "I",=3100 K "I",=3100 K Nozzle Length 5 Nozzles 24 T=2700 'I",=2700 K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles ......... 25 ......... 25 ....... 25 ....... 25 ....... 25
"I",=2700 K F=100Klbf "1",=2700 K F=300Klbf T=2700 K Area Ratio
Length
3 Nozzles.
K F=I 0Klbf 3 Nozzles K F=30Klbf K F=300Klbf K Area Ratio 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles
25 "1",=2700 K Nozzle Length 7 Nozzles F=10Klbf 7 Nozzles ......... 26 '1",=2900 K "I",=2900 K F=30Klbf "1",=2900 K F=100Klbf "1",=2900 K F=300Klbf "I",=2900 K Area Ratio T,=2900 To=3100 T=3100 Tc=3100 T=3100 Tc=3100K T=3100 K Nozzle K F=10Klbf K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf K F=300Klbf Area Ratio K Nozzle 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles 7 Nozzles ......... 26 ....... 26 ....... 26 ....... 26 26 ......... 27 ......... 27 ....... 27 ....... 27 ....... 27 27
"1",=2900 K F=100Klbf
K Nozzle Length 3 Nozzles.20 K F=10Klbf 3 Nozzles ......... 21 K F=30Klbf K F=100Klbf K F=300Klbf K Nozzle 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles 3 Nozzles ......... 21 ....... 21 ....... 21 ....... 21
Length
7 Nozzles
"1",=3100 K Area Ratio
Len_h
3 Nozzles.21
Length
7 Nozzles
15
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,pfor 10KIb, ThrustLevel

lOO_
I_oor30KIb, f ThrustLevel
100_ _""1'_'_'_'_'____ _ _
_,_
NO
'
T==2700K
i,u_
I* 1-OKNIic t" 2-DKi)
,.'-.=o
=O _) Im ,.
T,,_7OOK
,__
], 1.Oirdnetic 1,2-DKindc
;,,o
E =o
O 120 CO _0 gO_1(_ IC/ I2 .... 10'
ChamberPressure(psia) Figure A-1
Chamber Pressure (psia) Figure A-2
Iofor 100KIb, ThrustLevel

1150 tO _o _o
I,p for300KIb, ThrustLevel

i ......
'i
(/)
._/
el_c IB.;: 10
tO
4:;o==!i
IC,= IC: 10'
_o_. co
I0 .I I0t , , , 10j
ol
t0'
NozzleAreaRatio
t .....
Nozzle Length
I "] .... 1
/jj
/ .... /-....I
F,=.=,OOY_ _
. o .
u,
_=_ ....
<
I.
I[ ''_ _
.f_J"
....,..-_"
...
45[, tJ
'J
'" '
"
I__ _- . r
"
Z
f/
3_ L , =, ! 1 i
i I(_: l( _ 1('
]'."
J:
I_
l(
l_
Cham_r Pressure(psia) Figure A-5
16
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I.p 10KIb, for ThrustLevel

112G lOeO
I..for30KIb, hrustLevel T
O I/) 1040 (/) 1050
_,,
'_
'
T =2900K
I' _'_
I* 1-D Klne_c t* 2"DKI_,c I" 2-DKm_
1100
I/} lOe0
L._,,_u_
Q,. u
_ _i'---'-_-
'
1_
10_
1_:_
10'
10
17
I0'
ChamberPressure (psia) Figure A-8
I.pfor100KIb, ThrustLevel
{,;, : /* 2-DKfneb ; ,OLC. ! _ i. _umary Laye, ,"'t----_ D
I.,for300KIb, ThrustLevel
: __.. _.L
_0
o _o / / O. (/)
I_ 1C': 1[) 10' 10 ,,,T 11)_
I,,1-DK_ne_
930 !.
I_ _
10'
Nozzle
Area
Ratio
!F=IOK_ :
Nozzle
Length
'r
_r
: -"
/\Z/
..J
.//
.'"
""
_ i,/// ,,
<
...... -
I_ t r
],:
l_
I(:
I('
IC'
17
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I, for30KIb, Level
12r_ 1250 0 IZO0
,,
T,=31O0K
I.==
I'I-DK_o
tl 2-D K_IIc
T.,31ooK
l'_
t* 1-D Kmi
\
1150
t,2-o_
() 11_
" 1100 0 1060
11_
IE
IC
I__
IEi
10
1_"
10_
Chamber Pressure (psia) Figure A-J4
I,_ lOOKIb, for Level

IIr_6
I,_ for300KIb, Level
..,
t* 1-D Kine_c
it
108G
O 1_- /
r
_
_
"
/*l-DK_ec
I ' 2"DKIne'c
==,,,.! \
1_
1":
1C,;
1[,l
94010_
...I 10_
10=
10'
ChamberPressure (_a) Figure A-16
Nozzle
Area
Ratio
Nozzle Ir--';_, t
Length
T,._]ooK
]
U = .m _0o
;o
=
_, ''rj"
..-"
....... .. i.o
!
L ,
7
IE 1':: 1_. _ 1(? 150 It , ,,/ 161 ,,I K, _ 1('
Chamber Pressure_psia) Figure A-17
Chamber Pressm_ia) Figure A-IS
18
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,, for lOKIb,ThrustLevel

,-- '_ L mo[_ ' T==2700K 3 Nozzles [" [.I.D_c K
A
I+ for 30KIb,ThrustLevel "'

_o _._
r-_+7ooK I,,=,,,
3 Nozzles t1-O Kmtc
r \
t'2DK_I'_
0 o_
'5
Q,.
E
I I
E
O ID _o Q. I t0_
lO 1,_ _ 10_ 10' 10 j 10'
t=o 0. (/) mo
Chamber Pressure (_ia) Figure A-19
ChamberPressure(l_a) Figure A-20
I,pfor l OOKIb, ThrustLevel

NG
I,,for 300KIb,Thrust Level
J
i
o _o
v_!
E
i
_. w,_.'
1': 1C ,=
14o
net_
T =2700K 3 Nozzles
1r,I
z.ov,_e_ Boundary Lay+

10 4
,, 2-D Kinelc
T =2700K ,Boun_/Laye_ 3 Nozzles

I I I [ I I [ I I I I I
IO t
I0 )
Chamber Pressure (_a) Figure A-22
Nozzle
IO s [
Area
/ /_////
Ratio
,.-.-..-.-_
Nozzle
Jo IF=IO_, i 4 F= OoK]I_;
rj _
Length
i T=2700K 10' t 3 Nzzles

'
_T
=27{X)K
I
;_'r ...... "
I .++.+'_
//z/z
.I-- . "
o +.
B
/1I
u.,
I// , ""
_ L
i_ i ,""
3 Nozzles
!
12(' K: 1( I( '; l('
ChamberPress_ (psia) Figure A-23
Chamberl_'essm (psia) Figure A-24
]9
10 =
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,pfor 10KIb, hrustLevel T

1100
I.pfor30KIbThrust evel t L
1WO . ..-. ""1 T '._ I m ltJuJ .....
....
=_ \ ,.or\
"'
1"
3_o_e,
=2900K
F"-oK"_
f,2-DKml
j,_
_ ,=or-
_ ,=o \
J_
3N.=_,
h 2.D K_
1.1o_.,,.
t=
__40! t
"-.._
, , I(} r I{_ _ 1140 I_ .... ! I0* . . 10' " 10'_
10'
ChamberPressure (psia) Figure A.26
I.ofor 100KIb, ThrustLevel

A 0 tOO0 6O 0 100 _0

'( : . : , " . I ......
E
o
o._
_.
, ] 1(:1 = , , 1_= 10' IWO: 10 ,,,I 10_
_-j K
.... IGz' 10'
Nozzle
Area
Ratio Nozzle
I_ _
Length
U )lO _,r,
"
_ ,//
10'
<
itj _
3 Nozzles
! ioo I
3 Nozzles
16: 1,:' ) IG_ IO
_amber _ess_ _sia) Figure A-29
Chamber rcss_ (psia) P Figure A-30
20
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,,for 10KIb, ThrustLevel -= f \ ._1"0 i

_- 11oo t"5 i : 1_\ 3 Nozzles
I, for30KIb, evel L
o
1150 :
/'2K'_'_
_. _.DK_c I_
"r..3,ooK
_
__
_'_'_'Ii
_=
,_ 1100
o o [2. (t)
, ,I,L 0 I010
10
){:'
IG_
10' |0 ! 10 i 104
Chamber Pressure(psJa) Figure A-31
I,p 100KIb, for Level

112_.
I._ 300KIb, for Level

_I
10t,0
_.... _
' T,=31OOK
I, Jo,_l
f
1: I_:
3 Nozzles
, ' ' 1_: ,,,,i
1
1G'
0_
1 10 _ 10 _' I0= 10_
Chamber Pressure(psia) Figure A-34
Nozzle
if,' ,.
Area
Ratio
_1,0
Nozzle
Length
= 220 // ," ,_
<
_-"
IIO ,
3 Nozzles
,, ,i I__ i I ),'
l
_"
If: "_
3 Nozzles
I
Z
120 _E'
Cb_ber Press_ (psial Figure A-35
21
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,pfor l OKIb, hrustLevel T

l_r
I,pfor 30KIb,ThrustLevel
UO 0 tn m ISO
k
... "_ \
I\
" _7OOK i:
5 Nozzles _ 1.1)_lc
t--1)_,o
sNo_es
{.1.oKm_
g)
_E _.
_E. .
0 0 Q.
10
IC)
10'
,,l[
10'
10_
"10'
tO'
ChamberPressure(l_a) Figure A-38
I,_for lOOKIb, Thrust Level
:!J
@ I_ IC'_ IC '_ I0'
_E
t. /
ChamberPresswe (pro)
Figure A-39
'
Figure A-48
l I:;:o:=
ChamberPressure (pro)
Nozzle
Area
Ratio
2_
Nozzle
Length
,,
10
,Nozzles
/ .,j""
../../jj_
..II . " "
I
U Ii0
"S /
, " " 1
<
10=.
.'J:-/"/
""
t
.... I
Z
I(: 1(" lb
12,;
'
, , I
5 Nozzles
i
I_:
I( )
1_'
_m_r Pressm _ia) Figure A-41
Chamber ressm (psia) P Figure A-42
22
Appendix:Figuresof Parametric Data
I pfor l OKIb_ ThrustLevel

110G
,_.
\ 1=o\
'
T=2900K 5 Nozzles
t' _aJ t.l-OK_=c
....,=_
o Io6o\
_v _
I,_for30KIb, hrustLevel T i r_ [,==

5 Nozzles I,I-D Kmlic
[, 2-O Kmtc
_o "_
I0 1040 " I10
.LL____,
, , , ,,,, I{) I_ z 1G _'
t
1G '_
%_-----'_
Chamber ressure P (psia)

Figure A-43
,7 Chamber Pressure (psia)

Figure A-44
,_'
I,pfor lOOKIb, ThrustLevel

100_
I,_ for300KIb, ThrustLevel

U !1o
v I_,
_E
E
o iBo
(,/)
r
1(: 1rj
5 ]_ozzles
1C'
i. Boundary Lave
1G' 114010_ 1G_ I0 _ i0'

Figure A-45

]Figure A-46
Nozzle
I0'
Area
I
Ratio
Nozzle
Length
e.
1
II0 ,/
,/
tK,
..1
,= <
to F
fJ
i. _
. .
t
N
Z
i( I: l,: 1[' h3' I_ I_
'
..... ! l(: , , ; I':'
5 Nozzles
1
, lC'
ChamberPressurepsia/ ( ]Figure A-47
23
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
1=50 T =3100K \ S _]oz.zltes |id_ [* 1-D Kineic 1200
I,pfor 30KIb,Level
_"
1,2-DK,_c
\ ' 1150 \
"]
T.s,_ s ko=a_,
I,_ I I'__" I I'2-Dmlic K I
.....
" 1100
10
101
101
1{) _
I._for 100KIb,Level
1120_ ,.-, 0 _ I,c__ ' _ T=3100K 5 _lozz.les =Ideal ,1-D Kmtc
I,_for 300KIb_ evel L
^L
v a) I000 :0 11_0
1.2-DK,_.c
t. Boun=,y _,ye,
" '=_ F
_.
!
1_ l r.= t.t ,I 1{}"
O,.mO
e_
Nozzle
It,' [
Area
" "1
Ratio
.... F=IO]'_, 1 G) U leo .
Nozzle
L
Length
" "'1 ' "" F=-IOI_, ] ,o o,'"' '
r-._o_i r-._... ;
|
I(' r ./11 7"
1z.J"
"
f"
i"
1
.
om v
iio 7 / / / W.'. // j/
"_
_0
<
1(? I . ...
Z
I(" K' l':: I 1C l_.'
|X'5 Nozzles
10"
10_
I('
ChamberPress_ _psia) Figure A-53
24
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,p l OKIb, for ThrustLevel

I00C. 0 a) } @ mO
I+for30KIb, ThrustLevel
A
T- ,OOK r:,o o.c

t,2DK.I_
t.so+-<_+, u
'+
tO @
T --2700K 7 Nozzles
[, I. 1-0 K._c
@ t_
m
U0
0,. m tO tO
E
$10
E=
tO
=o=
_mo
q ,i +
1G I
10j
106
10_
10j
10+

Figure A-55
ChamberPressure(_a)
Figure A-56
I,,for lOOKIb, ThrustLevel

INO tO J
i .!/j E
tO
o =o_
_.
_
[.I-DKin+_ Ij
T=2700K [,2-DKme_c
;_/+ _ ,r
10_
i_
[ -V
[
II001 i,i]
UO// 140
'
: I1TKine_
+ 1
7 Nozzles
10s
[ =ur_ Lay. I I
10'
, 7 No,._= pBo .=_.._._ t

' , , ==,=_f
+ OOK
10=
/4
10s
10
15=
Chamber ressurepsia) P (
Figure A-57
Chamber Pressure (_ia)

Figure A-58
Nozzle
I0 _
]
Area
''"
Ratio
310
'i
Nozzle
Length
10' _" 0 _ :: !F--300Klb,_

o_
170 .2 150
_
/ /" /
T,-_.7OOK i
_e
1_. _
/
_J 1}0 I
<
_r'_ _f/'f'''-
110 i
,,,'
7 Nozzles __
1
l(
I_.
I(,'
l,_
l_y
1('
l_'
ChamberPressur_(psia) Figure A-59
25
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I.p OKIb, forl Thrust evel L

1106 1060
I.,for30KIb, Thrust evel L

01O6O
v
'
T--2_K
7 Nozzles
j._
]. 1-DKinetic )
fOl0
\ \
7No_.
T-_.o_j:. _.DK,,,_ {
t,2-o_i:
,_o
_O. 1020 1
O ) Q. U 0
t_o E looo,
=o.
g m0
CL
(/')NO
O.
10
10 x
10 =
10'
I_
10 _
10 I
tO _
I.p OOKIb, Level forl Thrust

104[, .... 1000
I.p for300KIb, Thrust evel L

I
...
_'=__
T =2900K
7 Nozzles
. kk,,_
I"D K_'c, 2-DK.c o =o ol
)
(fl
_.
Q.
_-E'_[
_E =o
o
--_ :f
Q. _o f m
g(_10' " iC,_ 10 j ' ''"1_'
_7
,. ooo
,11} 10 t , , i 10 _
Nozzles
I,_m_/Layel
....... 10'
Nozzle
10s I
Area
Ratio
3OO 190 w, 11o
Nozzle
"1 ....
Length
I
lr=._!
1(? i' m I#o 150 /
.o'
_j%z--'..--<
"
m @
14o
i.z::.,..
z
=; If' 1( 1_': 1[" I['
13(,
t_ Iff,
!
:, t ,
I0:
!
7 Nozzles l
IC
t
1(,
Chamber ressure psia) P _ Figure A-66
26
Appendix:
Figures
of Parametric
Data
I,pfor 10KIb, hrustLevel T

1250
[
i
I,pfor 30KIb,Level
12_,,
T =3100K ... c_ _O- 1100 _
lz I0_ I, 2-OK_:
F,.
t \
""T
"r,,slooK r,_
7 Nozzles I' I-D r.mk
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27
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OMB No.0Z04_1_
I_biic relx_ting Ixwden toe lhls oolleclXmod inlommb>n ia estimam to avem0e 1 hour I_' response, tnctudin0me _me for reviewinginsvuceons,searching exislmOdata souroes, 9mhednOand m_rdalrJal; _e data needed, sad _ and n_mdng the ollec_n od informaeon. Send mmments r_lorellng INa bur_n estimate or any oh_e_ upect of this ooaec_onol in_rma_n, Indudlng su_lges_ns for mSxlng INs _. to Wut_on Headquenera Servk_, _ for Infc_mmlon Opemtlor_ end _, 1215 Je_fe:o_ Oev_ Highway, Sure 1204, Adtngton,VA 22202-4302, and to the Offi_ o_ Mansgement and BtxJget,P_ FleduclkmProject (0704-0188), Wuhington, OC 20503. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) i 2. REPORT
DATE
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Technical Memorandum
$. FUNDING NUMBERS
4. TITLE
AND SUBTITLE
Aria.: _ical Study of Nozzle
Performance
for Nuclear Thermal Rockets
_. AUTHOR(S) Kenneth O. Davidianand Kenneth L Kacynski
WU - 506 - 42 - 72
7. PERFORMING
ORGANIZATION
NAME(l)
AND ADDREIN$(EB)
IL PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135-3191
E-6580
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AGENCYNAMES(S)AND ADDRE$S(ES)
10. SPONSORING/MON_ORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C. 20546-0001
NASA TM-105251 AIAA-91-3578
I1.
8UPPLEMENTARY
NOTES
Prepared for the Conference on Advanced Space Exploration Initiative Technologies cosponsored by AIAA, NASA, and OAI, Cleveland, Ohio, September 4-6, 199 I. Responsible person, Kenneth O. Davidian, (216) 433 -2602.
12a. DISTRIBUTtOI_'AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE
Unclassified-
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13.
ABBTRACT
(MJximum
200 words)
Nuclear propulsion has been identified as one of the key technologies needed for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. The Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) uses a nuclear reactor to heat hydrogen to a high temperature followed by expansion through a conventional convergent-divergent nozzle. A parametric study of NTR nozzles was performed using the Rocket Engine Design Expert System (REDES) at the NASA Lewis Research Center. REDES used the JANNAF standard rigorous methodology to determine nozzJe performance over a range of chamber temperatures, chamber pressures, thrust levels, and different nozzle configurations. A design condition was set by fixing the propulsion system exit radius at five meters and throat radius was varied to achieve a target thrust level. An adiabatic wall was assumed for the nozzle, and its length was assumed to be 80% of a 15 cone. The results of this study conclude that although the performance of the NTR, based on infinite reaction rates, looks promising at low chamber pressures, fmite rate chemical reactions will cause the actual performance to be considerably lower. Parameters which have a major influence on the delivered specific impulse value include the chamber temperature and the chamber pressures in the high thrust domain. Other parameters, such as two-dimensional and boundary layer effects, kinetic rates and number of nozzles, affect the deliverable performance of an NTR nozzle to a lesser degree. For a single nozzle, maximum performance of 930 seconds and 1030 seconds occur at chamber temperatures of 2700 and 3100 K, respectively.
14.
SUBJECT
TERMS
1S. NUMBER
OF PAGES
Nuclear propulsion;
Performance
prediction
28
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A03
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,

Analytical Study of Nozzle Performance for Nuclear Thermal Rockets

Kenneth O. Davidian and Kenneth Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio

Space NASA, 4-6,

Exploration and OAI 1991

and Results which describe the

of the studies fraction

of I-I2 for different at Tc--3100

chamber Number effect of Nozzles:

_ r Dotted lines denote fn_t derivative of

- 0.90 0.85 .--.

to the Joint Army-Navy-NASA(:IANNAF) standardized methodchemical liquid of 5 meters This

3 ......." 1 ..... ....... _ _ 3

Supersonic = 100 psia

0.50 [ "0-- '_ 0.40 __'_ ,

the use of the Rocket System currently Lewis at the NASA

and its associated

in the near throat

Geometry of the Rocket (REDES), called Engine Design 6,

A capability Expert System

The energy recombination diatomic

(TDK) s, was used included in the

for the entirety

1 gives the parameters

were used to characterize included: the nozzle contour

was a parabola point circle

the recombination As the flow

exit coordinate, of the entire package pro-

1 from left to right

was determined geometric Ratio =

Table 2. Baseline Chamber

parameters. 5.00 Radius of 2.0623 Radius of 0.1900 26.25"

also correspond gradual

to larger acceleration toward

tion rate. The more appreciably

occur, pushing performance reaction rate limit.

Tangent Angle = 32.00"

Nozzle Length = 80% of a 15" Cone

K, one nozzle. ........ _ l _......; .... 10K ...... 30K

.............. 100 .....

where throat RWTD radius cone and

E is the area ratio, and cz is the

is the downstream of curvature, half angle

for a chamber single nozzle tio as a function

(15" in this case),

there was no spacing between nozzles in the 3, 5, and 7 nozzle

m Appendix. As can be seen in Figure

layer assumptions wall, chemistr3' layer, JA.N._AF

an adiabatic equilibrium boundary the standard layer and

boundary was used,

the same chamber

nozzles given levels

as Figure in Appendix. are very

2. All nozzle Noz.zle

plots are Nozzle

However, nozzle performance nozzle

by real effects can be prexticted

using the JANNAF performance

code, TDK. s TDK

and the nozzle

as the horizontal nozzle of appresa length

performance Results plotted

was the delivered including NTR nozzle

-=.... ::::::,==._.. _ ............