Modeling and Simulation of a Solid Propellant Gas Generator for Hypersonic Airbreathing Propulsion

Daniil KALAEV, Luca ARMANI, Rahman ABDUL, Daniele IANNARELLI, Francesco MARGANI, Antonella INGENITO

DOI Number: N/A

Conference number: HiSST-2025-346

Gas generators play a central role in solid-propellant air-breathing propulsion systems, particularly in hypersonic vehicles where compactness, reliability, and thermal efficiency are crucial. Their function is to supply a controlled flow of hot gases that sustain combustion in the main chamber, directly influencing overall performance and stability. This study presents a validated methodology for designing gas generators for solid-propellant air-breathing hypersonic systems. A quasi-one-dimensional model is coupled with high-fidelity 3D CFD simulations to enable both rapid performance prediction and detailed flow analysis. A dynamic grain regression model, implemented via a User Defined Function based on
Vielle’s law, allows the simulation of evolving geometry in response to chamber pressure. Results show strong agreement between 1D and 3D models in predicting pressure, mass generation, and temperature evolution. A newly developed fuel-rich propellant demonstrated improved thermochemical performance and stable gas output, supporting integration with a ramjet combustor. This framework provides a foundation for future coupling with the main combustor and grain geometry optimization across various flight conditions.

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CFD simulation, fuel grain regression, gas generator design, Hypersonic Vehicles, solid-propellant air-breathing propulsion

In Categories: 1.Events, 1.HiSST 2025, Propulsion Systems & Components

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