Aerothermodynamic analysis of an experimental rocket aimed to test micro-launcher technologies

• Main Author: Vale, João Pedro Simões
• Publication Date: 2022
• Format: Master thesis
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/13027
• topic: Aerotermodinâmica; Cfd; Escoamento Subsónico; Escoamento Supersónico; Escoamento Transónico; Foguete; Micro-Lançador; Nave Espacial; Openfoam; Domínio/Área Científica::Engenharia e Tecnologia::Engenharia Aeronáutica

The current decrease in satellite size, associated with the rise in their launch rates, has created a market demand for a new class of launchers. This new class, known as micro launchers, can only put a fraction of the current launcher’s payload into orbit but can deliver micro and small satellites to their desired orbit for a fraction of the price. Due to this new demand, the European Space Agency has supported this market trend with programs that enable the development of the necessary technologies for these future micro-launchers. In this context, Omnidea leads a project to develop an experimental vehicle that aims at developing and testing these technologies in a relevant flight environment. The development of this dissertation is in the framework of this project and focus on performing an aerothermodynamic analysis of the experimental rocket through numerical simulations in subsonic, transonic and supersonic flight. These numerical simulations are performed for two different geometries, and one additional study case is dedicated to the engine on condition. The results are then used for an aerodynamic and thermodynamic study of the vehicle and, when possible, are compared to similar studies with a satisfactory agreement. Furthermore, is discussed the impact that the alterations between the rocket geometry have on the flow around the vehicle, and their cause, as well as their consequences, are pointed out. Regarding the engine on condition, it is possible to see the creation of several new flow disturbances and their impact on the thermodynamic and aerodynamic models. Additionally, some concerns about these new flow disturbances are raised, and suggestions are made for their correction. At last, this study also shows the CFD’s key role in providing data for the construction of aerothermodynamic databases of spacecraft.