Numerical simulation of stage separation manoeuvre with jet interaction

Abstract

PurposeThis research aims to investigate numerically the influence of braking jets on separation process of a flying object.Design/methodology/approachThe flying object is at supersonic regime and axial separation of its stages is accomplished with the aid of braking jets of separated stage. The simulation is three‐dimensional and relative motion of the stages is considered three degree of freedom. Full Navier‐Stokes equations in conjunction with κ−ε (RNG) turbulence model equations are considered as governing equations. These equations are solved using the finite volume technique. The separation process is analysed as an unsteady process and the problem is solved in a moving grid domain. The local remeshing method is adapted to regenerate computational cells around moving boundaries.FindingsTime history of flow field around the vehicle components, time history of aerodynamic coefficients, and instantaneous relative position of the body components are the results of this research. Numerical modelling results are compared with the results of other references.Originality/valueMost of the similar works in this area have used Euler or thin layer Navier‐Stokes (TLNS) equations as governing equations and the use of full Navier‐Stokes equations to analyse such a complicated problem (3D axial separation with braking jets) have not been reported in the literature. Since there are some recirculation zones inside the flow field and Euler or even TLNS equations cannot predict their behaviours, the use of full Navier‐Stokes equations may lead to more accurate prediction of these regions and aerodynamic forces.