Numerical Simulation of Decompression Process of a Mars Rover in the Launch Phase

Abstract

This paper performs numerical simulation on the decompression process of a Mars rover using FLUENT. The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the Mars rover resulting from changes in ambient pressure of the rocket fairing is investigated. In terms of numerical simulation, PROFILE outlet boundary conditions are developed and the impacts of ambient pressure settings, time steps, and mesh density are investigated to improve the accuracy of simulation results. The decompression process of the separate large module, large and small modules under two types of ambient pressures are simulated. The results show that the largest pressure differential between the inside and outside of the module body is less than 2200 Pa. Because of the small size of the small module, the results for the separate large module and the large/small modules are consistent. The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the rover is mainly influenced by the variation in ambient pressure.