Aerodynamics » Vehicle Studies
Subsonic / Supersonic / Hypersonic Vehicle Studies
In the discipline of aerodynamics, FGE have been involved in the assessment of supersonic and hypersonic vehicle aerodynamics for many years and have developed a number of in-house packages both engineering based and full CFD for the purpose.
For fast scoping and parametric studies the engineering codes can deal with arbitrary body geometry and the complete Mach number (subsonic-incompressible to hypersonic) and altitude range (from sea level to space). The methods used range from simple impact theories through shock expansion and/potential techniques, datasheet look-up methods and full Euler-boundary layer solutions.
For definitive studies a number of Navier Stokes solutions have been developed to deal with incompressible and compressible flows in the perfect gas regime, and full thermo-chemical non equilibrium methods where appropriate.
FGE have undertaken aerodynamic assessments of many types of system from spinning munitions through missiles and entry/ascent vehicles.
A general aerodynamic capability is maintained.
Trajectory Simulation
In order to explore the aerodynamic performance of flight vehicles FGE has developed a suite of trajectory simulation software.
Three degrees of freedom simulations are appropriate for scoping studies and including a variety of planetary atmospheres, heating, and parachute deployment options. Extensions to pseudo four degrees of freedom allow lift or thrust vectoring for manoeuvre simulation.
Full six degrees of freedom simulations are appropriate for all classes of atmospheric flight vehicle given suitable aerodynamic databases, and include control surfaces and thrust. Where considerable uncertainties in vehicle parameters occur such as cg position, mass, aerodynamic coefficient or trim conditions, a Monte-Carlo simulation of trajectories can be performed.
FGE studies have covered:
Planetary entry both ballistic and lifting(manoeuvring) for mission optimisation for aerodynamic/structural loads, thermal protection sizing and landing site accuracy.
Earth atmosphere ascent and entry assessments, guided missile performance, munitions/submunitions performance.