In Flight Abort Separation Dynamics

Manned spacecraft abort during ascent is a particularly unpleasant event. Not only does this represent a mission failure, but it can also be a very severe loading event on the crew. There are several dynamic events happening within a few hundred milliseconds while the vehicle is under aerodynamic-induced strain and possibly divergent control. Some of these events are spacecraft separation, abort motor ignitions, and aerodynamic variation. This paper will describe a methodology for implementing this analysis within a multi-body solution. Some generic examples will be shown along with some guidance on what parameters are important.