Current Status and Applications of CoNF²aS² - Coupled Numerical Fluid Flight Mechanics and Structure Simulation

Abstract

The Coupled Numerical Fluid Flight Mechanics and Structure Simulation (CoNF²aS²) tool is a DLRdeveloped coupling environment specifically designed for spacecraft applications. As the name already implies, the focus of CoNF2aS2 lies in the interactions between fluid, thermal, structural and flight mechanics for aerodynamic and aerothermal load calculations. Like any numerical tool, the continuous upgrade of CoNF²aS² through wind tunnel experiments and flight tests is an ongoing process with a permanent expansion of its application possibilities. The main goal of CoNF²aS² is to achieve realistic simulations of space transportation vehicles in their entire flight range. This paper presents validation examples as well as an overview of the current development status of CoNF²aS². Some of the possible fidelity levels of CoNF2aS2 are introduced and accompanied by example applications.