Modeling Intricate Unsteady Flow Field Development of a Self-Contained Novel Entry, Descent, Landing and Locomotion Planetary Exploration Module

Abstract

Abstract In the search for innovative concepts to explore extraterrestrial bodies, work towards modeling a fresh self-contained entry, descent, landing and locomotion (EDL-L) system, developed by CRASH Lab, was conducted. The system designed for atmospheric entry requires that the planetary aerodynamics are utilized on the descent to the planet’s surface to stabilize and land safely on the ground. The multifunctionality of this concept lies in the ability to contain all necessary landing configurations in one system. However, this requires extensive modeling to understand its interaction with the planetary atmosphere and environment during all phases of entry, descent, and landing. As the system has an open frame architecture for landing, it causes an intricate unsteady fluid flow to develop around the system as it falls. Being able to better understand how the flow evolves and how it affects the descending vehicle will allow for a more controlled EDL sequence. The free fall landing phase of the model has been considered at Venus Surface Conditions. The work reported is centered around non-rotational descent, which will be extended in the future to rotational and multi-directional landing considerations, as well as verification studies with wind tunnel trials. The paper reports on efforts toward developing an ultimate predictive methodology and its verification and validation studies to assess the self-contained EDL-L system. One of the main objectives of the study is to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts that planetary conditions may have on the safe entry, descent, landing and operability of the concept vehicle on any celestial bodies with atmosphere.