Effect of Secondary Combustion and Flow Mach Number on Base Thermal Environment of Re-Entry Rocket Under Retro-Propulsion

  • Hao Zheng*
  • , Xiangnan Chen
  • , Yong Tang
  • , Baolu Shi
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Reusable liquid rockets are crucial for future space transportation. During first-stage re-entry and recovery, the interaction between the retrograde propulsion plume and the free stream is complex, causing severe aerodynamic ablation on the engine nozzle and rocket base. This affects mission success and reusability. This study examines the second-generation 'Raptor' engine's nozzle model, developing single- and triple-nozzle engine models to analyze plume characteristics under varying reverse flow Mach numbers. The impact of secondary combustion on the engine base's thermal environment is also explored using the eddy dissipation model for afterburning reactions. Results show that the peak Mach number in the triple-nozzle wake decreases with increasing flight Mach number, and the rocket base heat flux density is higher on the outer side than the inner side.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAeronautical, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering - Proceedings of the 8th International Conference, AAME 2025
EditorsJohn P.T. Mo
PublisherIOS Press BV
Pages78-84
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781643686363
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Nov 2025
Event8th International Conference on Aeronautical, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, AAME 2025 - Suzhou, China
Duration: 28 Mar 202530 Mar 2025

Publication series

NameAdvances in Transdisciplinary Engineering
Volume82
ISSN (Print)2352-751X
ISSN (Electronic)2352-7528

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Aeronautical, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, AAME 2025
Country/TerritoryChina
CitySuzhou
Period28/03/2530/03/25

Keywords

  • Flow characteristics tracking
  • Rocket recovery
  • Secondary combustion
  • Vertical re-entry

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