Aerodynamic Thermal Simulation and Heat Flux Distribution Study of Mechanical Expansion Reentry Vehicle

Abstract

The mechanical expansion reentry vehicle has become the focus of deep space exploration because of its good deceleration effect and high stability. However, due to its special aerodynamic shape, its surface heat flux characteristics are different from traditional reentry vehicles. In this paper, the Two-Temperature model is introduced to simulate heat flux distribution. The influence of different structure parameters and flight parameters on the flow field structure and surface heat flux is also analyzed. The research shows that the Two-Temperature model can improve the prediction accuracy and that the heat flux may peak at the both the head and shoulder of the vehicle. Structural parameters RB, RN, and θ have an obvious negative effect on QO. RB, RN, RR, and LZ have a negative correlation with QR. QR drops first and then rises as θ increases and RS decreases. Flight parameters Ma have a positive effect on QO and QR while H is negative; α makes the heat flux distribution asymmetric.

Keywords

• reentry vehicle
• Two-Temperature model
• peak heat flux
• heat flux distribution