Direct Monte Carlo Simulations of the Intermediate Experimental Vehicle at Early Stages of Reentry
Abstract
Within the European Space Agency (ESA) framework program FLPP Next Generation Launcher (NGL) preparatory activities on System, In-Flight Experimentation and Aerothermodynamics Period 1, Step 2, von Karman Institute (VKI) has to perform ground testing and numerical simulations to contribute to the aerothermodynamic database of the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) along its trajectory during re-entry. The present article summarizes the part of these activities in relation with the evaluation of the aerodynamic properties in the early stages of reentry. Due to the rarefied nature of the higher atmosphere, the computations were carried out by means of Direct Simulation of Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The aim of this work was to a., validate the methodology used at VKI, b., perform computations at several points along the trajectory and c., assess the feasibility of joint simulation of rarefied flow and thrusters.
- Publication:
-
7th European Symposium on Aerothermodynamics
- Pub Date:
- May 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011ESASP.692E..52B