Analysis of a hybrid dual-combustion-chamber solid-propellant gas generator

Solid-propellant gas generators (SPGGs) have a number of aerospace applicat ions, including munitions dispersion, pilot emergency escape systems, subma rine missile launching, powering actuators and valves, and short-term power supply. Recently, the increased demand for so-railed smart automotive airb ags has increased the need for SPGG designs capable of real time, tailorabl e output. Dual-combustion chamber gas generators provide several distinct a dvantages over single-combustor units in systems where optimum performance is needed at several operating conditions. The objective of this work is to evaluate the attainable performance characteristics of a proposed dual-com bustion chamber gas generator. The work includes a simulation of the transi ent, thermochemical events associated with the firing of an SPGG, The simul ations also include the dynamics of coupled events such as ignition, hetero geneous combustion, and mass discharge. The baseline gas generator being si mulated in this work is a hybrid SPGG inflator with two combustion chambers . Studies are made of the distribution of propellant between combustion cha mbers and the times at which the propellant within each combustion chamber is fired.