CHEM: Computational Combustion Modeling

Chem is the first application developed using the Loci framework. Chem is a full featured Navier-Stokes solver for non-equilibrium flows involving chemical reactions. The solver uses advanced generalized grid algorithms based on finite-volume methods and high resolution Riemann solvers. For more information on the algorithms used in the CHEM code, refer to our paper: " A Chemically Reacting Flow Solver for Generalized Grids"

Numerical simulations of a blast buried in sand

This shows a simulation of a detonation of a charge buried in sand. This simulation is performed using Loci/CHEM making use of the Loci/BLAST module. The air is colored by pressure, the sand color is density, while the blast gases are colored by gradiation of orange corresponding to temperature.

Numerical simulation of powered stage separation

This shows a simulation of a powered stage separation of a hypothetical two stage missile traveling at Mach 5. This utilizes the unstructured overset mesh capability of Loci/CHEM.

Animation showing rocket plume interactions

Animation with cut-away revealing rocket nozzle flow

Cutting plane showing overset mesh


Numerical and experimental results of air impinging with a flat plate at 30 degrees.


Multiphase solid rocket simulation with radiative heat transfer

Shows solid rocket at launch with flame bucket and blast deflector wall. The isosurface of a fixed particle number density is shown colored by particle temperatures. The ground plane is colored by radiative heat fluxes radiated from the solid rocket plume. This simulation utilized a two species fluid model, a two-way coupled Eulerian two-phase particle model, and a non-gray CADOM radiation model.




Hypersonic Reentry of X38 Crew Return Vehicle

Mach 10 high altitude re-entry simulation results at 60 degrees angle of attack (Including endothermic dissociation reactions provided by chemistry model of Kang and Dunn):
Pressure along cutting plane and surface of X38:

Close up showing adapted mesh near the leading bow shock:

NO Mass fractions along cutting plane and surface of X38:

Simulation of a Shuttle Derived Heavy Lift Vehicle


Pressures on vehicle surface:

Vehicle and Plumes:

Rocket-Based Combine-Cycle (RBCC) Engine Benchmark Results

Air inlet streamlines

Hydrogen Afterburner streamlines