Recent advancements in shape optimization of aero spiked high speed re-entry vehicle using CFD

Abstract

Due to increasing demand of High Speed Re-entry vehicles for Space activities within the world, a serious issue associated with the method of deceleration down a vehicle is by the intense heat generated because of development of stronger shocks at the nose. The price of thermal protection systems (TPS) to cut back the warmth generated by the return vehicles is extremely high. In this paper, the ultimate outcome is to cut back the aero heating which is achieved by introducing a spike at frontal region of the nose. Additionally, this spike avoids the deterioration and preserves the structural integrity of space vehicle over elevated temperatures. Further, four totally different geometries of tip specifically Blunt, Slender, Snap and Pan for the aerospike has been introduced and their impact on performance is evaluated and compared with the vehicle having TPS. Hence, usage of aerospike in return vehicles is the most successful and economical over different protection system.