Predictive cfd model for internal ballistics of hybrid rocket engines using supercritical paraffin-wax and oxygen

A fully predictive numerical model, considering the effects of fluid-surface interaction, radiation, chemistry, and turbulence, is developed for oxygen-paraffin hybrid rocket engines. Results from Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of two different paraffin-based hybrid rocket engines are discussed, and the dependence of radiation effects on dimension and chamber pressure is outlined. Average regression rates and chamber pressures closely agree with experimental data in the literature, deviating at maximum by 15%. The model can be used for design optimization of future single-port paraffin-based hybrid rocket engines.