ROCKET PLUME BASE HEATING METHODOLOGY

A review of radiative transport calculation methods for base heating i s presented followed by a description of the current methodology for t he Space Shuttle plume radiation predictions and improvements for the advanced solid rocket booster (ASRB). The calculation methods include empirical methods, the standardized infrared radiation model code, and the forward and reverse Monte Carlo methods. Current plume radiation methods include those used for the Space Shuttle main engines and the solid rocket booster (SRB). Methods being developed for the ASRB inclu de changes in plume property prediction methodology and application of the reverse Monte Carlo method in predicting plume radiation models. Results of the prediction methods are compared with experimental measu rements on the current SRB and on 1/6-scale motors using both SRB and ASRB propellants. Examples are also presented demonstrating the statis tical results available with the reverse Monte Carlo method.