Analysis of gas dynamic waves in explosively actuated valves

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

12-1-2008

Abstract

A mathematical model is formulated for assessing quasi-one-dimensional gasdynamics occurring within an axi-symmetric explosively actuated valve. The model accounts for pressure-dependent explosive combustion within an actuator, compressible product gas flow through a narrow port connecting the actuator to a gas expansion chamber, and piston motion driven by gasdynamic forces within the expansion chamber. The initial-boundary-value problem is posed in terms of generalized coordinates to facilitate numerical computations on a domain that volumetrically expands due to combustion and piston motion. The model equations are numerically integrated using a TVD, high-resolution shock capturing method. For a baseline configuration that is representative of a conventional valve, preliminary predictions indicate that gasdynamic waves do not result in irregular valve operation implying that spatially homogeneous models may be adequate for describing the performance of such valves. Small changes in valve geometry relative to the baseline configuration are shown to produce variations in gasdynamic fields. Importantly, port diameter is shown to control the rate of both explosive energy release and acoustic energy transport which can significantly affect piston motion and stroke time. © 2008 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

44th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit

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