Singh, Balbir and Nayak, Gurudas C and Akula, Praveen Kumar (2012) Dynamic simulations of matrix atmospheric entry capsule to mars. In: 63rd International Astronautical Congress, Naples, Italy, 01-10-2012 to 05-10-2012. , Naples, Italy.

PDF IAC Manuscript 12865.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (667kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The paper deals with the aerodynamic analysis of one of the designs of an unmanned entry capsule system entering the Mars atmosphere with an aeroshell designed in MATRIX EDLS project with the aim to support planetary entry system design studies. The exploration vehicle is an axisymmetric 70 degree sphere cone shape body with a heat shield and back shell to carry a robotic airplane to Mars for its atmospheric analysis. Several fully three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics analyses have been performed to address the capsule aerodynamic performance. To this end, a wide range of flow conditions including reacting and non-reacting flow, different angles of attack, and Mach numbers have been investigated and compared. Some, non-equilibrium effects on the flow field around the entry vehicle have also been investigated. Results show that real-gas effects, for all the angles of attack considered, increase both the aerodynamic drag and pitching moment whereas the lift is only slighted affected. Finally, results comparisons highlight that experimental and CFD aerodynamic findings available for the earlier Mars entry capsule in air adequately represent the static coefficients of the capsule in the Mars atmosphere. The selection of a different aero-shell shape for this Mars entry probe under MATRIX project has been discussed.

Actions (login required)

View Item