CoNF²aS² – Coupled Numerical Fluid Flight Mechanics and Structure Simulation: Recent Developments and Applications

Abstract

The Coupled Numerical Fluid Flight Mechanics and Structure Simulation (CoNF²aS²) tool is a DLR-developed 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 gives an overview of recent developments and applications cases of CoNF²aS².