Simulation on Water Hammer Characteristics of Bipropellant Attitude and Orbit Control Propulsion System

Authors

• Xianwei Lang, Qingdao Aerospace Power Structural Safety Institute, Qingdao 266000, China
• Yantao Wang, Qingdao Aerospace Power Structural Safety Institute, Qingdao 266000, China; Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
• Fang Zhang, Overall Design Institute of Hubei Aerospace Technology Research Institute, Wuhan 430040, China
• Yizhen Zu, Qingdao Aerospace Power Structural Safety Institute, Qingdao 266000, China
• Xinyu Zhang, Qingdao Aerospace Power Structural Safety Institute, Qingdao 266000, China
• Weibin Xiang, Overall Design Institute of Hubei Aerospace Technology Research Institute, Wuhan 430040, China

Abstract

Abstract: To address the water hammer problem in bipropellant attitude and orbit control propulsion systems during start-up, shutdown, and periodic operation, the water hammer characteristics under different operating conditions are investigated using simulation methods. The water hammer characteristics of annular and branched propellant delivery lines are compared, and the effects of multiengine interactions under various operating conditions, as well as the influence of water hammer on engine performance, are analyzed. The results show that the attenuation rate of pressure fluctuation in the annular pipeline system is significantly higher than that in the branch pipeline system. Under the condition of multi-cycle and multi-engine simultaneous start-up and shutdown, the fluctuation of water hammer generated in different cycles affects each other and causes the fluctuation amplitude to increase, but the effect on the engine thrust chamber pressure is relatively small. When multi-engine start-up and shutdown are performed at intervals, water hammer effects lead to severe fluctuations in thrust chamber pressure and nozzle flow rate, affecting the stability of the engine operation. The simulation results provide a reference for the structural design and optimization of the propulsion system and contribute to improving its reliability and safety.

Recommended Citation

Lang, Xianwei; Wang, Yantao; Zhang, Fang; Zu, Yizhen; Zhang, Xinyu; and Xiang, Weibin (2026) "Simulation on Water Hammer Characteristics of Bipropellant Attitude and Orbit Control Propulsion System," Journal of System Simulation: Vol. 38: Iss. 4, Article 15.
DOI: 10.16182/j.issn1004731x.joss.24-0954
Available at: https://dc-china-simulation.researchcommons.org/journal/vol38/iss4/15

First Page

1046

Last Page

1057

CLC

V434.1; TP391

Recommended Citation

Lang Xianwei, Wang Yantao, Zhang Fang, et al. Simulation on Water Hammer Characteristics of Bipropellant Attitude and Orbit Control Propulsion System[J]. Journal of System Simulation, 2026, 38(4): 1046-1057.

Corresponding Author

Wang Yantao

DOI

10.16182/j.issn1004731x.joss.24-0954