Forebody Strake Effects on Rocket Aerodynamic Characteristics at High Angles of Attack

Abstract

DOI: 10.2514/1.35052 The results of a numerical investigation of the forebody strake effects on an air-launched rocket’s aerodynamic characteristicsatlowMachnumberandhighanglesofattackarepresented.Forcesandmomentsonagenericrocket that might be used in an air-launch system are predicted using a validated three-dimensional Navier–Stokes code. Asymmetric aerodynamic side forces and yaw moments are observed to occur under certain conditions with 0-deg sideslip, creating conditions of asymmetry. Forces such as these have been observed experimentally on a variety of aerospace vehicles. The effects of forebody strakes on the aerodynamic side forces and yaw moments are presented for 0-deg sideslip angle of attack. In addition, the sources of the aerodynamic characteristics are described. Results show that the forebody strakes reduce side forces and yaw moments by decreasing the magnitude of the streamline vortical interaction and therefore weakening the asymmetric vortical interactions that cause unstable aerodynamic characteristics.