Numerical Simulation of the Flow Field Over Sounding Rockets

The characterization of rocket aerodynamics is a prerequisite for the design and operation of these vehicles. In order to determine its trajectory, it is necessary to know the aerodynamic characteristics in all phases of flight. One way to obtain the aerodynamic characteristics of a rocket is by means of numerical simulations of the flow along the rocket. To this end, the region around the rocket is discretized into a computational mesh that is then used for the numerical solution of the equations governing the flow. The purpose of this book is to show the work of generating computational meshes in rockets and assess their suitability for flow simulation at different speed regimes. These simulations will be performed with the NS3D program that numerically solves the 3-D Navier-Stokes of turbulent flows. These simulations will be validated by comparing the calculated results with experimental data.

Frederico Farias, Mechanical Engineer from the University of Taubaté, Master in Aerospace Engineering from the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA-Brazil), is currently a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering in CAE/CFD simulation area at the State University of São Paulo and professor at the Federal Institute of Technological Education.