Numerical study on ignition start-up process of an underwater solid rocket motor across a wide depth range

Solid rocket motors have important applications in the propulsion of trans-media vehicles and underwater launched rockets. In this paper, the ignition start-up process of an underwater solid rocket motor across a wide depth range has been numerically studied. A novel multi-domain integrated model has been developed by combining the solid propellant ignition and combustion model with the volume of fluid multiphase model. This integrated model enables the coupled simulation of the propellant combustion and gas flow inside the motor, along with the gas jet evolution in the external water environment. The detailed flow field developments in the combustion chamber, nozzle, and wake field are carefully analyzed. The variation rules of the internal ballistics and thrust performance are also obtained. The effects of environmental medium and operating depth on the ignition start-up process are systematically discussed. The results show that the influence of the operating environment on the internal ballistic characteristics is primarily reflected in the initial period after the nozzle closure opens. The development of the gas jet in water lags significantly compared with that in air. As the water depth increases, the ignition delay time of the motor is shortened, and the morphology evolution of the gas jet is significantly compressed and accelerated. Furthermore, the necking and bulging of the jet boundary near the nozzle outlet and the consequent shock oscillations are intensified, resulting in stronger fluctuations in the wake pressure field and motor thrust.