| Author's Name: |
Gottmann, C. A., Alves, W. F., Rocco, J. A. F. F., Iha, K. & Gonçalves, R. F. B. |
| Subject Area: |
Science and Engineering |
| Subject |
Engineering |
| Section |
Research Paper |
Keyword:
Ethanol, Combustion, Rocket Engine
Abstract
Simulations of propulsive parameters of ethanol/water formulations (99.5 %, 85%, 75% and 70%) are presented, using real combustor parameters. The simulations were performed using the CEA - Computer program for calculation of complex chemical equilibrium compositions and Chemkin, which considers kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (plug flow reactor). According to CEA results, the optimum oxidizer/fuel ratio is 1.6 for the present system. Using this ratio, the simulation showed a specific impulse Is = 226 s and in the experimental test, the specific impulse was obtained Is = 224s (~?=0.9%). The characteristic velocity simulated was 1732 m/s, and the one obtained in the test was 1967 m/s (~?=11%). The method is then a feasible method for predicting real engine systems.