Normal force calculations for rocket-like configurations

Abstract

Transonic and supersonic flow simulations over typical launch vehicle configurations are presented. A 3-D finite difference numerical code, written for general, curvilinear, body-conforming coordinate systems, is used. The code solves the thin-layer approximation for the laminar Navier-Stokes equations. Simulations are performed for a launcher and a sounding rocket configurations, currently under development at Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaça. Calculations consider cases at angle of attack and at various freestream Mach numbers. Normal force coefficients are obtained such that the loads required for the design phase can be determined. Computational results are compared to available experimental data. In general, good results within engineering error margins are obtained.