Modelling Multiphase Catalytic Reactors for Space Propulsion Applications

Hydrogen peroxide solutions are of great interest for application in thrusters, gas generators and igniters, as alternative to traditional storable propellants. Numerical analyses can strongly support the design of catalyst beds for propellant decomposition, being complementary to the experimental studies. In this work, a model for the investigation of flows with phase change in porous media has been presented and a 1D CFD code has been developed and validated against the data from literature. The results have proven the capabilities of the approach and the validity of the CFD tool to support the design of heat exchangers as well as of catalyst beds.