A standard model for the investigation of aerodynamic and aerothermal loads on a re-usable launch vehicle - second stage geometry

Abstract

This paper presents a generic geometry for the study of aerodynamic and aerothermal behaviour of an upper stage compatible with the RFZ model, a generic, open source geometry of a re-usable launcher. The vehicle design is presented, outlining simplifications made to retain key features of the vehicle while ensuring a manufacturable and meshable geometry. Computational studies will be performed at altitudes between 70 and 90 km, reflecting the phase directly after staging up to the limits of the continuum flow regime. The geometry and results will be made openly available to the research community to promote collaboration in understanding the design challenges associated with re-usable launchers.