Study of Cavitating Venturis for Liquid Rocket Applications

Faculty Mentor Name

Brenda Haven

Format Preference

Poster

Abstract

Cavitating venturis are flow devices used to establish a constant mass flowrate primarily for rocketry applications. Liquid rocket engines require precise oxidizer and fuel mass flow rates in order to generate the desired thrust and operate at a safe temperature. Cavitating venturis can establish these mass flow rates by utilizing the cavitation phenomena. By increasing the fluids velocity to the point where the static pressure is less than the fluids vapor pressure, dual phase flow is created. The dual phase flow lowers the speed of sound and a choked flow condition occurs. This establishes a constant mass flow rate while also decoupling the upstream pressure from any downstream pressure oscillations. The goal of this project is to better understand the effect of the pressure ratio upon cavitation inception, as well as the effect of different flow regimes upon the venturi’s discharge coefficient. Finally, this project seeks to understand the effects of design and manufacturing upon the venturi’s accuracy in regard to setting a desired mass flow rate.

  • POSTER PRESENTATION
  • IGNITE GRANT AWARD

Location

ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm

Start Date

3-29-2019 11:00 AM

End Date

3-29-2019 9:00 PM

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Mar 29th, 11:00 AM Mar 29th, 9:00 PM

Study of Cavitating Venturis for Liquid Rocket Applications

ERAU - Prescott, AZ; AC1-Atrium, 11 am - 3 pm | Eagle Gym, 7 - 9 pm

Cavitating venturis are flow devices used to establish a constant mass flowrate primarily for rocketry applications. Liquid rocket engines require precise oxidizer and fuel mass flow rates in order to generate the desired thrust and operate at a safe temperature. Cavitating venturis can establish these mass flow rates by utilizing the cavitation phenomena. By increasing the fluids velocity to the point where the static pressure is less than the fluids vapor pressure, dual phase flow is created. The dual phase flow lowers the speed of sound and a choked flow condition occurs. This establishes a constant mass flow rate while also decoupling the upstream pressure from any downstream pressure oscillations. The goal of this project is to better understand the effect of the pressure ratio upon cavitation inception, as well as the effect of different flow regimes upon the venturi’s discharge coefficient. Finally, this project seeks to understand the effects of design and manufacturing upon the venturi’s accuracy in regard to setting a desired mass flow rate.

  • POSTER PRESENTATION
  • IGNITE GRANT AWARD