1D numerical simulations aimed to reproduce the operative conditions of a LOx/LCH4 engine demonstrator

Abstract. The present paper describes the results of the numerical simulations performed by means of the “EcosimPro” software, aimed at reproducing the operative conditions of the regenerative thrust chamber “DEMO-0A” designed by the Italian Aerospace Research Center. The operative conditions simulated are both cold flow and firing conditions. A validation of the numerical cold flow results has been performed by comparing them with the experimental data gathered during a cold flow campaign. Once validated the cold flow numerical model, various hot test conditions of the demonstrator have been simulated by considering different heat wall exchange coefficient correlations, in order to obtain information about the thermal power released during the combustion process and to assess the simulation capabilities of the “EcosimPro” software in predicting the behaviour of the demonstrator in firing conditions by modelling it with a 1-D approach.