NAS Visualizations Support Analysis for Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle
08.07.09
Recently, the NAS visualization team produced images and videos from simulations needed for Ares V vehicle design analysis.
NAS visualization of Saturn V along the launch trajectory highlights the backward flow (shown in blue) brought on by Plume Induced Flow Separation techniques.
The team's timely, informative visualizations supported Ames researcher Cetin Kiris' modeling and simulation work being used to investigate and predict the possible effects of Plume Induced Flow Separation (PIFS) on the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle.
Plume-induced flow separation is a major issue to consider when designing in the vehicle. PIFS is a phenomenon in which rocket plume expansion widens at higher altitudes, causing the airflow around the vehicle to broaden and separate away from the surface. This flow separation can then cause recirculation regions that draw the hot plume further up the vehicle, with a potential to cause dangerous
overheating.
To validate the accuracy of PIFS predictions for Ares V, Kiris first performed simulations using 1960s-era Saturn V flight data. Four different Mach numbers were simulated with and without plume effects using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code OVERFLOW. Results were compared with corresponding Saturn V flight data and showed good agreement.
Using state-of-the-art techniques such as Image Based Flow Visualization, visualization team members produced a variety of informative images and movies showing the effects of PIFS across six simulations at various Mach values, and one simulation without plume physics.
Rapid response from the NAS visualization experts allowed Kiris to communicate his results for applying this new type of analysis to Cargo Launch Vehicle with the Ares V team and colleagues at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The NAS team will generate more PIFS models and images for the next design cycle.
Visualization showing the side-by-side comparisons of streamlines colored by Mach number and Image Based Flow Visualization texturing.
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