Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis on the Reusable Launch Vehicle

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics and Additive manufacturing are the two important and recently used technique in the reusable launch vehicle. In this article the design and flow simulation of the re-entry capsule has been performed using Computational Fluid Dynamics in order to optimize the suitable re-entry capsule design. Computational fluid dynamics can be used to simulate the real time supersonic flow during re-entry which helps in predicting the important characteristics during the formation of shock waves. The study considered Mach 5 conditions and an altitude of 5km. In addition, the formation of shock waves was delayed in the present studies compared to previous work. It should be noted that the current aerospace industry uses the advantage of additive production in prototyping to test re-entry launch vehicles.

Keywords

• additive manufacturing
• reusable launch vehicle
• computational fluid dynamics
• shock waves