Flowfield and radiation analysis of missile exhaust plumes using a turbulent-chemistry interaction model

Abstract

Abstract : The combustion or afterburning of fuel-rich rocket exhaust with the atmosphere may result in large infrared radiation emissions which can play a significant role in the design of missile base components and missile defense systems. Current engineering level models neglect turbulent-chemistry interactions and typically underpredict the intensity of plume afterburning and afterburning burnout. To evaluate the impact of turbulent-chemistry interactions, an assumed pdf model was applied to missile plume simulations of a generic booster. Simulation results reveal turbulent-chemistry interactions to have a large impact on plume signatures as afterburning burnout was approached.