Flow Dynamics in a Supersonic Diffuser at Minimum Starting Condition to Simulate Rocket's High Altitude Test on the Ground

A numerical analysis has been conducted to investigate and characterize the unsteadiness of flow structure and oscillatory vacuum pressure inside of a supersonic diffuser equipped to simulate the high-altitude rocket test on the ground. A physical model of concern includes a rocket motor, a vacuum chamber, and a diffuser, which have axisymmetric configurations, using nitrogen gas as a driving fluid. Emphasis is placed on investigating physical phenomena of very complex and oscillatory flow evolutions in the diffuser operating at very close to the starting condition, i.e. minimum starting condition, which is one of major important parameters in diffuser design points of view.