An Euler-Lagrangian Multiphysics Coupling Framework for Particle-Laden High-Speed Flows

TL;DR

This work develops and validates a modular Euler–Lagrangian coupling framework that links HEGEL for thermochemical nonequilibrium gas dynamics, ORACLE for Lagrangian particle tracking, and PLATO for chemistry, with data exchanged through preCICE. The two-way coupling captures particle momentum and energy feedback to the flow and wall heat flux, and incorporates particle-wall interactions including collision heating and surface recession, modeled via a hemispherical crater approach. Validation against a JPL supersonic nozzle and the ExoMars Schiaparelli entry demonstrates accurate prediction of shock modification, heating, and surface recession under nonequilibrium conditions. To enable efficient design studies, the authors introduce a quasi-1D stagnation-line recession analysis coupled with a PCE surrogate to quantify parametric uncertainty in particle-induced erosion, finding approximately 18% TPS thickness loss by the end of the trajectory under specified dusty Martian conditions. Collectively, the framework provides a practical, scalable tool for evaluating particle effects in high-speed aerothermochemical flows and supports TPS sizing and mission planning under dusty atmospheres.

Abstract

Particle-laden effects in high-speed flows require a coupled Euler and Lagrangian prediction technique with varying fidelity of thermochemical models, depending on the simulation conditions of interest. This requirement makes the development of a conventional monolithic solver challenging to manage the different fidelity of the thermochemical models within a single computational framework. To address this, the present study proposes a multi-solver framework for the coupled Euler-Lagrangian predictions applicable to various particle-laden high-speed flow conditions. Volumetric and surface couplings are established between a particle solver ORACLE (OpenFOAM-based lagRAngian CoupLEr) and a thermochemical nonequilibrium flow solver based on an adaptable data exchange algorithm. The developed framework is then validated by predicting particle-laden supersonic nozzle flows and aerothermal heating around a hypersonic Martian atmospheric entry capsule. Finally, a quasi-1D approximation is proposed in conjunction with a surrogate method to efficiently and accurately predict particle-laden surface erosion, with quantified parametric uncertainty, for hypersonic aerothermal characterization.

Figures (11)

• Figure 1: Proposed Euler–Lagrangian coupling framework for particle-laden high-speed flows.
• Figure 2: Effect of the spatial moving-average filter on the surface collision heat flux.
• Figure 3: Comparisons of Mach number distributions in the pure gas case. (a) Centerline and (b) nozzle wall.
• Figure 4: Comparisons of Mach number distributions in the dusty gas case. (a) Centerline and (b) nozzle wall.
• Figure 5: Comparison of the Mach number contours of pure gas (top) and dusty gas (bottom).