Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have run simulations using the Loci/STREAM-Volume of Fluid multiphase CFD solver to understand the integrated configuration for launch, with initial efforts focusing on validating CFD predictions with the ISVV-14 and Flight Support Booster 1 (FSB-1) tests. Since no integrated SLS system testing examining this environment will occur prior to the upcoming Artemis I launch, the only means of gaining additional insight is to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Travis Rivord, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Project Details Simply put, these CFD simulations would not be possible without NASA high-performance computing resources. This test, however, included neither the dense layer of water downstream of the nozzle nor the effect of the liquid engine plume entrainment. Insight into the side loads generated from water splashing into the nozzle can be obtained from the SRB static test FSB-1, during which loads were measured as a result of a large quantity of water placed along the nozzle wall.
#Solid rocket booster verification#
Some insight into the water system operation can be obtained from the Integrated System Verification and Validation-14 (ISVV-14) test series, but these tests lack the effect of the SLS liquid engine plume entrainment on the water near the SRB nozzles. Some data is available from tests of individual systems, but no integrated testing or analysis will be available prior to the Artemis I launch.
#Solid rocket booster full#
At ignition, this water can cause flow separation in the nozzle resulting in large, asymmetric side loads that the SRB hardware must withstand.Ĭurrently, the SRB operational environment is unknown for the full SLS launch configuration. Because the water is injected a short distance from the SRB, there is a dense, chaotic, layer of water directly below the nozzle and splashing water may project upwards into the nozzle. The SRB plumes, the proximity of the IOP/SS water, and the liquid engine plumes all create a complex multiphase environment during ignition, resulting in water spray, debris transport, and strong plume-water interaction. To protect the vehicle from IOP and acoustic loads, the SLS launch pad design includes an ignition overpressure/sound supression (IOP/SS) water system placed very close to the SRB nozzles. If unmitigated, these waves have the potential to damage the vehicle and possibly cause loss of mission or crew. NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) will send astronauts back to the Moon in the next few years, partially powered by two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) that generate significant ignition overpressure (IOP) waves at launch. Simulating the SLS Solid Rocket Booster Plume-Water Induced Environment Overview