Dynamic loads on Mu-series satellite launch vehicles at lift-off

Abstract

All the Mu series satellite launch vehicles are launched in a inclined condition by using a rocket launcher. This paper studies on the dynamic bending load on two types of Mu vehicles at the inclined lift-off. Although the investigation is based on a simple model of the vehicle and the rocket launcher, the simulation results substantially coincide with actual flight data. The investigation shows that the lift-off bending load can be so large that it can dominate the design bending load of various section of the vehicle including the upper stage structures. The lift-off load is shown to be sensitive to the variation of parameters in some cases. A procedure to establish the design lift-off load is outlined, which takes account of the sensitivity of the load to the parameter variation and the ambiguity of the parameters at the initial design phase.