A Fluid Structure Coupling of the Ariane-5 Nozzle Section During Start Phase by Detached Eddy Simulation

Abstract

Concerning the requirements of future rocket technologies, providing a cost-efficient access to orbit as well as an increase in system reliability, a deeper insight into the unsteady phenomena during ascent of modern launchers is essential. Unsteady interactions and resonances of the turbulent separated launcher wake and the nozzle structure play an important role for the design of future main stage propulsion systems. The so called buffeting coupling phenomenon is one of the main challenges during ascent. In the present study, a coupled simulation of the afterbody of the Ariane-5 launcher with a realistic structural and aerodynamic representation of different nozzle configurations is carried out. On the computational fluid dynamics side, unsteady detached eddy simulations are coupled with structural computations for different nozzle configurations. The essential features of the interaction process are well captured. The coupling algorithm is validated by a non-linear supersonic panel flutter simulation with highly transient mechanical interaction.