Time Domain Aero Control Structure Interaction Studies of Indian Reusable Launch Vehicle

Abstract

Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator Hypersonic Experiment (RLV-TD HEX01) mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was the maiden flight which employed a winged body configuration. The vehicle faces multiple excitations during its atmospheric phase of flight. In this perspective, structural vibrations on the vehicle arising out of external excitations have to be adequately stabilized to prevent adverse vibrations. A flexible vehicle response analysis package: FLXTRJ-RLV was developed to assess the aero control structure interaction characteristics of the vehicle. Results of simulation studies ensures the increase in closed-loop damping and improvement in disturbance rejection characteristics of the vehicle, thereby reducing the in-flight loads acting on the vehicle. Comprehensive post-flight analysis studies were carried out on the flight-experienced responses. The flight observed rates highlighted a benign interaction-free environment during the ascent phase of flight.