Simulation of the ARD Capsule Under Transonic Wind Tunnel Flow Conditions and Yaw Jet Activated

Abstract

In the present technical note the aerodynamic behaviour of the European Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator at transonic wind tunnel flow conditions is numerically simulated by means of the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations. The computations are carried out with the DLR code CEVCATS, assuming steady state turbulent flow. Two conditions are considered: without and with the reaction yaw control system of the capsule activated. The emphasis of the study is put on the validation of the computed results. The simulations are carried out for the half and the whole capsule configuration. The numerical accuracy is addressed throughout grid density studies and also by comparing the results with available experimental data. Grid convergence is demonstrated in terms of residual dropping for the numerical scheme and in terms of convergence of aerodynamic forces. However no grid independent solutions is.