CFD Simulations for Arc-Jet Panel Testing Capability Development Using Semi-Elliptical Nozzles

This paper reports computational simulations in support of arc-jet panel testing capability development using semi-elliptical nozzles in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. Two different semi-elliptical nozzle configurations are proposed for testing panel test articles. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to provide estimates of achievable panel surface conditions and useful test area for each configuration. The present analysis comprises three-dimensional simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfields in the semi-elliptical nozzles, test box and flowfield over the panel test articles. Computations show that useful test areas for the proposed two nozzle options are 20.32 cm x 20.32 cm (8 in x 8 in) and 43.18 cm x 43.18 cm (17 in x 17 in). Estimated values of the maximum cold-wall heat flux and surface pressure are 155 W/cm and 39 kPa for the smaller panel test option, and 44 W/cm and 7 kPa for the larger panel test option. Other important properties of the predicted flowfields are presented, and factors that limit the useful test area in the semi-free jet test configuration are discussed.