Sensitivity Study for the Simulation of the ARD Capsule under Transonic Flow Conditions

Abstract

Sensitivity studies for the transonic simulation of the ARD capsule without and with the reaction yaw control system activated are presented and discussed. The motivation of this investigation lies in the large discrepancies in pressure level found in preliminary studies when comparing numerical results with measured values. Flow simulations including the wind tunnel support, several algebraic models, variable angle of attack and variable amount of numerical dissipation are performed. The computed results are found independent of the type of turbulence models here tested. Including the wind tunnel support in the numerical simulation the pressure level close to the capsule backcover reduces, increasing mainly the axial force. The amount of numerical dissipation used in the computed solution has the largest effect in the pressure level. By reducing the numerical dissipation the computed pressure levels approach to that of the.