EURASTROS capsule design and re-entry analysis

Abstract

In this study, the capsule of the EURASTROS study is discussed in terms of its aerodynamic and aero-thermal properties, re-entry characteristics, structural design, and thermal protection system. Approximative methods are used to estimate the aerodynamic coefficients for the computation of nominal and off-nominal re-entry trajectories and to determine the nominal location of the center of gravity for statically stable flight. The re-entry trajectories are used to define the maximum mechanical and thermal loads on the capsule. The structure of the capsule is investigated by finite element analysis to determine the structural mass. Detailed Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are performed for three maximum load cases and the resulting heat flux distribution is used for the design of the thermal protection system. For this, recession and thermal insulation are considered.