This preprint presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigation of APCP-derived exhaust gas expansion through a De Laval nozzle using ANSYS Fluent. A density-based solver and k-ω SST turbulence model were employed to capture highly compressible flow behavior under a 60 bar chamber pressure and 3100 K stagnation temperature. The simulation produced hypersonic flow conditions with a peak local Mach number of 7.57 and an area-weighted outlet Mach number exceeding 5. The results demonstrate efficient acceleration of APCP combustion products and provide insights into nozzle performance for vacuum-optimized propulsion systems.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33594.35527
Publication Date: 2026-06-19