Rolling Capabilities of the Experimental Vehicle ReFEx

Kurzfassung

The Reusable Flight Experiment (ReFEx) is an experimental vehicle under development by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). It simulates the re-entry of a reusable booster stage. After being propelled with a VSB30 rocket to an altitude of 130 km it will perform an autonomous reentry. As the aero shape is finalized, the focus of the aerodynamic investigation turns towards more detailed analysis of occurring phenomena. The latest findings which are presented are about the steering capabilities of the rolling motion. A preliminary investigation revealed areas with roll reversal. Therefore, an extensive set of viscous CFD simulations of the entire flight envelope of ReFEx (Mach numbers from 0.6 to 5.5, and angles of attack from 20° to -50°) is produced. It contains different differential canard deflections around the trim deflection. The goal is to identify areas within the envelope in which the canards have nominal, reversed or very little to no roll authority. The findings have a direct influence on the trajectory which can be flown. Other investigated influences on the rolling capabilities are investigated as well and their effects on the design process is presented. The flight of this 2.72 m long vehicle is scheduled for 2023.