Experimental and Simulation Testing of Thermal Loading in the Jet Tabs of a Thrust Vector Control System

Abstract

The paper discusses the temperature changes in mechanical jet tabs in a system of rocket motor thrust vector control, estimated by the simulation and experimental tests methodology. The heat transfer calculation is based on complex computational fluid dynamics simulations of both the nozzle and external tab flows, as the comprehensive integral flow zones with high flow parameters gradients. Due to a complexity of the model for flow calculations, the experimental estimation of the calculated results is carried out. The temperature is measured by jet tabs embedded thermocouples, and conducted through the rocket motor static tests. A good agreement of the calculated and measured results is achieved. The main aim of the developed method is to establish an approved calculation tool for designing new thurst vector control systems in order to avoid disadvantages due to overheating.