DC13: Assessing the environmental sustainability of future launchers with respect to different systems architectures and operating scenarios

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Problem Definition: The possibility of assessing environmental sustainability of future launchers from the early design stage depends on the availability of simplified and fast but accurate models, which have been developed, at the moment, only for traditional subsonic aviation. There is the urgent need to develop analytical formulations able to predict chemical emissions from a wide range of vehicle configurations, engines architectures and propellants.

Research Objectives:

Definition of an exhaustive taxonomy of future launchers, and creation of a structured database
Modelling and simulation of the most promising rocket engine architectures from a thermodynamic standpoint
Numerical and experimental examination of combustion processes
Definition of analytical formulations for chemical emissions predictions
Integration of the novel formulations in commercial launchers and missions design tools
Launcher configurations comparison and trade-off

Expected Results:

Ability to assess the influence of launchers configurations, technologies and concept of operations on chemical emissions production
Numerical propulsive and emissive databases, validated, when possible, against experimental tests
Novel analytical formulations to predict chemical emissions in conceptual design

Secondments:

Astos Solutions GmbH (ASTOS, Stuttgart, Germany, ca. 4 months): Analytical formulation integration in the ASTOS software and testing
Institut supérieur de l'aéronautique et de l'espace (ISAE, Toulouse, France, ca. 4 months): 1D and 2D chemical/kinetic combustion modelling and simulations and experimental validation

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.