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Optimizing a Coupled Solution for the Orion MPCV Using DPLR and NEQAIRThe goal of this project is to study the convective and radiative heat flux predictions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on a smooth body representation of the NASA Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The Orion MPCV is designed for long duration missions in space and will play a crucial role in transporting astronauts in the upcoming Artemis missions. With Orion's aim for cost-effective reusability comes a need to study its Thermal Protection System (TPS), which allows for safe entry into the atmospheres of the Earth, Moon, and Mars. In order to study the effects of the TPS on test flights and better understand the aerothermal environment, CFD is a necessary tool used to create simulations of entry vehicles and calculate the heat load and heat flux. However, solutions are often performed using an uncoupled approach between the flow and the radiation solver. This leads to an overestimation of the overall heating effects because they do not consider radiative cooling. Furthermore, the effects of radiation on the aft-body is an area of research with significant uncertainty. Through the use of codes developed at NASA Ames, DPLR and NEQAIR, a coupled solution can be attained for the Orion capsule which will more accurately solve for the effects of radiation in both the fore and aft-body regions. This yields more accurate design margins for the TPS, which produces a better estimate of the thickness required. By developing an accurate coupled solution of the TPS on the Orion MPCV, planners will have greater flexibility in carrying out future missions to the Moon and beyond.
Document ID
20190030672
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Klempay, Oscar
(Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 9, 2019
Publication Date
August 8, 2019
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN72207
Meeting Information
Meeting: Brown Bag Lunch Presentation - Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: September 6, 2019
Sponsors: Georgia Institute of Technology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNA15BB15C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
NASA Peer Committee
Keywords
Design
Cmputational Fluid Dynamics
Thermal Protection System
Aerothermal Heating
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