Simulation of Dust-Laden Flows in the DLR L2K Facility

An integrated CFD-particle trajectory code called US3D-DUST is used to simulate the dusty flow experiments performed in the German Aerospace Center (DLR) L2K arcjet facility. The particle trajectory code uses a Lagrangian approach, where the particle trajectories through the shock layer can be computed using a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. The L2K experiments measured mass loss to flat-face shaped samples of the Norcoat-Liège thermal protection system material. The US3D-DUST simulations were able to reproduce particle velocity and stagnation point heating rate data. When applied to the L2K dusty flow conditions, the US3D-DUST generally over-predicted the measured mass loss due to particle impacts and the surface recession rate. It is recommended to perform additional dusty flow tests in the L2K to provide and improve the surface damage model for Norcoat-Liège.