PHASE-CHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OF ENERGETIC SOLID FUELS IN TURBULENT REACTING FLOWS

New hydrocarbon fuels with high-energy density content can substantial ly advance high-thrust, high temperature, and reduced-size combustion technology. The present work investigates the phase change dynamics of the PCU alkene dimer, a newly synthesized high-energy density hydroca rbon fuel, in turbulent reacting flows. The shape, location, and veloc ity of the propellant-gas interface is treated explicitly. A Lagrangia n moving grid technique in conjunction with an established body-fitted field equation solver is developed. Owing to the complex flow structu re and uneven heat flux distribution along the propellant surface, the interface experiences nonuniform regression between the front and the rear ends. Consistent with experimental observations, the thermal cha racteristics near the solid-gas interface vary in space and time. The present computational capacity can advance our understanding of phase change, thermal decomposition, and subsequent mixing and burning dynam ics of the energetic fuel.