Aerodynamic Characteristics of Fairing Separation at Initial Opening Angle

Abstract

Numerical analyses were carried out to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of clamshell fairing separation at Mach 5 in low altitude atmosphere. A three dimensional numerical model was set up. The flow fields of the closed fairing and condition at the initial opening angle were simulated. Results showed that the complicated shock waves formed in the multibody system, and the interference of shock waves greatly changed the aerodynamic force acting on the fairing and flying vehicle. The time history of the force was obtained. The minimum initial angular velocity to avoid the fairing re-closing could be predicted based on the present study. Keywords-clamshell fairing; separation; aerodynamic force; initial angular velocity