Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of diffusion models on carbon ablation with a parametric study on a slug-calorimeter geometry in arc-jet flow at two enthalpy conditions using two arc-jet flow modeling approaches, and at corresponding enthalpy-matched free-flight conditions using RANS CFD simulations. Additionally, a sphere-cone geometry is modeled at the arc-jet enthalpy matched free-flight conditions and at a high Reynolds number free-flight condition. The approximate-corrected form of Fick's law and the Stefan-Maxwell diffusion models are investigated for equilibrium and finite-rate carbon ablation in laminar and turbulent flows, which is simulated with the Menter-SST turbulence model. The turbulent cases include the investigation of the effect of the turbulent Schmidt number and free-stream turbulence intensity on ablation. The results showed that the equilibrium-char solutions are more sensitive to the diffusion model. The variation in the turbulent Schmidt number created a noticeable effect on ablation only for the high Re number free-flight case. The comparison between the arc-jet and free-flight cases outlined the differences in ablation magnitudes and profiles for these cases.
Recommended Citation
K. Worden et al., "Arc-jet and Free-flight Evaluation of Laminar and Turbulent Diffusion Models on Ablation," AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2025, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Jan 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-0557
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Publication Status
Full Access
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-162410723-8
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 American Insstitute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2025
