Coupled numerical simulation with the Navier-Stokes equations and the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method on vacuum plume

Vacuum plume and its contamination are difficult problems for the designers in astronautics. Due to the lack of efficient experimental and computational facilities, the research in this field advances slowly. A finite difference method for the Navier-Stokes equations and the DSMC methods were applied to numerically simulate the vacuum plume of attitude controlling rocket motor nozzle. Vacuum plume parameters distribution which are in good accordance with the flow physics was obtained. The present work provides a good reference to the design of attitude controlling rocket motor nozzle. It is a good base of vacuum plume contamination study.