Analyses

The Propulsion Systems Center has the extensive analysis experience, capabilities and tools needed to design propulsion systems, high-energy lasers and cryogenic coolers.

Combustor Performance
Analyses include the effects of non-equilibrium chemistry and multiple phases. A detailed combustor analysis (3-dimensional, non-equilibrium chemistry) to evaluate heat transfer and combustion efficiency was central to the design of Northrop Grumman's advanced SCAT thruster.

Plume Effects
Plume effects analysis capabilities include evaluating high altitude plume effects (plume impingement and contamination) and plume signatures (IR, VUV, and millimeter wave) using direct simulation Monte Carlo simulation. Plume signature analyses incorporate proprietary methods for all types of thrusters over a wide span of wavelengths.

Propellant Management and Slosh Effects
Propellant management device and propellant slosh characterization capabilities range from micro-gravity to launch environments. Several detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools support these design efforts.

Structural, Dynamics, Heat Transfer
Design analysis of propulsion, HEL, and cryogenic-cooler system components using commercial software tools (e.g., ANSYS).

For further information contact:

Frank Balmanno
E-mail: frank.balmanno@ngc.com