Numerical analysis of the thermal convection through a flat plate in Martian conditions

Abstract

There are currently several investigations being developed around Mars, primarily focused on the aerodynamics of drones and the study of atmosphere flow and Martian soil with the assistance of the Perseverance rover. Several phenomena in the Martian atmosphere can complicate flow measurements, and the Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) at the rear of the rover can introduce additional uncertainty to the measurements. These measurements are conducted with the system called MEDA, which is located at the front of the rover, under its head. Therefore, it is considered of interest to carry out a preliminary study to determine the feasibility of performing tests on Earth simulating the Martian atmosphere without the need for a vacuum chamber. This would make it possible to streamline and simplify the methods used. The aim of this work is to perform simulations on a plate, that can be considered as a simplification of the MMRTG heat exchanger system, which is composed of a cylinder with flat fins around it, over free and forced convection to verify whether flow behaviour in Martian conditions can be obtained from dimensional analysis on Earth.

Keywords

• CFD
• MMRTG
• Mars
• Thermal convection