Multibody Simulation of the SpaceLiner Cabin Rescue System

Abstract

A capsule-shaped cabin rescue system (CRS) was chosen as the baseline design for the SpaceLiner as separable section in case of emergencies. This study utilizes multibody simulation to model the separation process of the CRS from the SpaceLiner. It analyzes if enough distance can be covered in a given time frame to escape an explosion blast wave without any collisions. Additionally, human tolerance limits for accelerations need to be considered to enable a safe system. Five critical trajectory points are chosen to study if separation is possible throughout the flight or must be prohibited for certain conditions since it is considered unsafe for passengers and crew. Further, mass and aerodynamic models are generated as inputs for the multibody simulation. They define body properties and aerodynamic forces and moments.