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Analysis on frequency characteristics of gas generator cycle rocket engines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2025

T. Li ,
H. Gong ,
N. Yu  and
Y. Zhao
T. Li
Affiliation:
School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing, China
H. Gong
Affiliation:
Sichuan Aerospace Zhongtian Power Equipment Co. Ltd, Chengdu, China
N. Yu*
Affiliation:
School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory of High Efficiency Spacecraft Propulsion Technology, Beijing, China
Y. Zhao
Affiliation:
School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing, China
*
Corresponding author: N. Yu; Email: ynjtougao@126.com
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Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the frequency response characteristics in a gas generator cycle liquid rocket engine, employing modular decomposition and linearised frequency-domain modeling to simulate dynamic behaviours under forced oscillations. The engine is dissected into key subsystems, including liquid pipelines, turbopump assembly, valves, flow regulation components, thrust chamber, gas generator and pyrotechnic starter, highlighting features such as centrifugal pump pressurisation, staged combustion and cavitation mitigation via venturis. Three oscillation scenarios are examined: supply system responses to thrust chamber pressure disturbances, combustion component responses to fluid disturbances and combustion component responses to pump speed disturbances. Simulations over 0–2000 Hz reveal acoustic-dominated traits in the thrust chamber with oxidiser pathway dominance, low-frequency emphasis in the gas generator driven by fuel disturbances, and heightened instability risks from pump pulsations. Parametric analyses demonstrate that increased pipeline lengths shift resonant frequencies downward, elevated injector pressure drops enhance stability margins by 1.6% with a 20% pressure drop increase, and chamber structural/gas parameter variations erode system stability. These insights, validated against benchmark models, inform strategies for mitigating combustion instability, optimising design parameters, and improving reliability in high-thrust propulsion applications.

Keywords

frequency responsegas generator cycleliquid rocket engineparametric analysis

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , First View , pp. 1 - 19
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal Aeronautical Society

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