This module was developed by ATA Engineering as an add-on to the Loci/CHEM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. The module can be used to couple Loci/CHEM to the computational structural dynamics (CSD) solver Abaqus, and the charring ablator response code CHAR. The module uses CHAR to model surface reactions including ablation. Loci/CHEM will morph its mesh to account for the ablating solid's change in shape and introduce the off gases at the interface boundary. Loci/CHEM will export the surface pressure, heat flux, and species mass fractions present at the surface to CHAR for use in the ablation solution. To account for structural effects the Simulia Co-Simulation Engine (CSE) can be used to include an Abaqus finite element model (FEM) in the analysis. The addition of Abaqus allows for thermal expansion and stresses to be modeled within the solid.
[1] Blades, E.L., N.D. Reveles, M. Nucci, and M. MacLean. Simulations of an
Eroding Graphite Nozzle via a Fully Coupled Aero-Thermochemical-Elastic
Framework. 53rd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Atlanta, GA, July
2017.
[2] Reveles, N.D., R.S. Miskovish, and E.L. Blades. A Closely Integrated
Fluid/Solid Framework with Chemistry for Hypersonic Ablating Vehicles.
National Space and Missile Symposium, Chantilly, VA, 2015.
This module depends on both Loci and CHEM being installed. Loci is an open source framework developed at Mississippi State University (MSU) by Dr. Ed Luke. The framework provides a rule-based programming model and can take advantage of massively parallel high performance computing systems. CHEM is a full featured open source CFD code with finite-rate chemistry built on the Loci framework. CHEM is export controlled under the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Both Loci and CHEM can be obtained from the SimSys Software Forum hosted by MSU.
This module also leverages the CSE and is intended for co-simulation with an Abaqus FEM, so licenses for the CSE and Abaqus are required.
This module interacts with NASA's charring ablator response code CHAR, so a copy of that is required as well. Contact NASA for more information and to request a copy.
The source code for the module is freely available to the US Government under SBIR data rights. For more information and to request a copy please contact mnucci@ata-e.com.