A new efficient technology of aerodynamic design based on CFD driven optimization

This paper describes a new technology of aerodynamic design based on CFD driven constrained optimization to minimum drag. Within an aircraft development project we focus on the aerodynamic design of wings and show how the design process has been advanced with the new capabilities achieved through the use of the recently developed in-house optimization tool OPTIMAS. The optimization method of the present work is based on the use of Genetic Algorithms and accurate full Navier–Stokes drag prediction. The results include a variety of optimization cases for aerodynamic design of transport-type aircrafts.     

Relation between shock unsteadiness and the origin of side-loads inside a thrust optimized parabolic rocket nozzle

An experimental test campaign has been carried out on a sub-scale thrust optimized parabolic (TOP) nozzle to study the relation between unsteady characteristics of separation and reattachment shocks and the origin of side-loads in rocket nozzles. The study was conducted using wall pressure measurements both in streamwise and circumferential directions, surface oil visualization technique and signals from strain gauges installed on the nozzle bending tube. It is observed that the nozzle pressure ratio at which peaks in maximum rms values occur, for separation and reattachment shocks, coincide with the nozzle pressure ratio at which peaks in strain gauge signal are observed. This clearly demonstrates the unsteady nature of separation and reattachment shocks to be directly related to origin of side-loads in rocket nozzles.     

Study on electrodynamic tether system for space debris removal

As a countermeasure for suppressing space debris growth (P. Eighler, A. Bade, Chain Reaction of Debris Generation by Collisions in Space—A Final Threat to Spaceflight? in: 40th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, IAA-89-628, October 1989), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan is investigating a satellite capture, repair and removal system for non-cooperative satellites, part of which involves assessing the viability of electrodynamic tether (EDT) technology as an orbital transfer system. In this paper, some results concerning the time required to remove existing satellites, the behavior of flexible tethers during the debris separation phase, and orbital transfer strategies of EDT systems during space debris removal operations are described. From numerical simulations, it is found that EDT systems can transfer satellites from LEO to orbits with a short lifetime within a realistic timeframe. It is also found that the stability of EDT systems is compromised when debris separation occurs both while a tether current is running and when the ratio of the end mass to that of the service satellite is high. To ensure stability, the end mass should be selected from the target debris group with due regard for the maximum possible mass that can be maneuvered safely. Moreover, it is also found that orbital elements (a, e, i) can be changed independently with an adequate current control strategy.     

含内热源的多孔方腔流热耦合非正交 MRT-LBM数值模拟

针对含内热源的多孔方腔内自然对流现象问题,采用非正交多弛豫时间（MRT）格子Boltzmann方法进行了研究。分析了Rayleigh数（104 ≤ Ra ≤ 106）、内热源布局方式（水平、垂直及对角布局）、内热源几何尺寸大小（A=1/16,1/8,3/16,1/4）及两内热源间的间距（S=5/64,13/64,21/64）对流动传热的影响。结果表明:在Ra=104,105和S=5/64的情况下,任意内热源几何尺寸,内热源采用对角布局方式可获得更好的对流换热效果;在Ra=105,106和S=13/64,21/64的情况下,水平布局方式更优;在内热源采用水平布局,Ra=104的情况下,任意内热源几何尺寸,对流换热效果均随着内热源间距的增大而增强;而随着Ra增大,内热源几何尺寸减小,对流换热效果随着内热源间距的增大先增大后减小,而后随着内热源间距增大其对流换热效果减弱;对角布局也有相似规律,在其他条件一致的情况下,随着内热源几何尺寸的增加,其对流换热效果增强。      

J2轨道模型对月地激光通信预瞄准精度影响研究

基于J_2轨道预测模型,设计了不同倾角和轨道高度圆轨道月球卫星,通过将J_2轨道预测模型预瞄准仿真结果与直接积分RKF7(8)法仿真结果相对比,研究了不同类型月球卫星轨道对-Y面卫星舱板激光通信终端瞄准精度的影响。仿真结果表明,J_2轨道预测模型可以满足月球极地卫星月地激光通信要求,当轨道高度为1 000 km和2 000 km的时候,10 min方位角偏差不超过40μrad,而俯仰角偏差仅为7μrad时,在一定程度上J2轨道预测模型可以满足月地激光通信预瞄准要求。     

Aerodynamic optimization of re-entry capsules

Methods for aerodynamic design and optimization based on linear theory are not well suited for modelling non-linear phenomenons. Their results only represent approximations of real optima. In the present study a new method based on non-linear theory, i.e. the solution of the Euler/Navier–Stokes equations, has been applied to improve these approximations. The structure of the system as well as the incorporated modules are described. Aerodynamic optimizations of a biconic re-entry capsule with respect to the lift-to-drag ratio, the effective volume and the stability are presented and discussed. The method proves to be a robust and relative efficient tool for aerodynamic design of modern aerospace vehicles. An increase in the performance of computer systems will result in an increase in the efficiency as well. It is shown that the method keeps and sometimes expands the established knowledge base of experienced engineers but reduces the design cycle times significantly.     

Nonlinear dynamic modeling and simulation of an atmospheric re-entry spacecraft

This paper discusses the dynamic modeling and simulation techniques for the X-38 re-entry spacecraft, a prototype crew return vehicle (CRV) for the international space station (ISS). A general simulator for atmospheric re-entry dynamics (GESARED) was developed in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The 6 degree-of-freedom re-entry flight dynamics were modeled to achieve minimum restrictions and singularities. Quaternion representation of vehicle attitude was used to avoid computational singularities in angular kinematic model equations. The Earth's atmosphere, Earth's shape and gravitational potential were modeled appropriately. The vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics, navigation sensors, and the actuator dynamics were also modeled and implemented. Several numerical simulation tests and analyses were conducted to evaluate the performance of the model equations and the simulator.     

Aeroacoustic integral methods,formulation and efficient numerical implementation

The paper makes a contribution to the clearer understanding of the physical meaning and domain of applicability of the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW-H) and Kirchhoff aeroacoustic integral methods. The analytical relationship between the two approaches, and the physical implications involved in the use of the Kirchhoff approach are discussed. In particular, where the Kirchhoff surface cuts into a domain where non-negligible volume sources of Lighthill's Acoustic Analogy are present (domain crossed by a shock, non-uniform flow or vortices for instance), the Kirchhoff integral must be complemented by additional surface integrals to recover the FW-H surface integral. The paper goes on to describe a fast, robust integration technique for computing FW-H or Kirchhoff surface integrals. This integration technique starts from emission time, and treats each integration surface element as non-compact. It obviates the need to build retarded acoustic surfaces and avoids some of the drawbacks of current methods, such as the Doppler singularity when using supersonically rotating grids. The paper then recalls formulas for calculations in the aircraft reference frame, and the computational efficiency of the proposed integration method is demonstrated by its application to the prediction of helicopter rotor noise directivity contours.     

Parameter design for a guidance and control system using genetic approach

A preliminary guidance and control design for guided missiles is developed via a genetic searching approach. A real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) serves as the computing device to solve a constrained optimization problem resulting from the guidance and control parameter design where the genetic structure encodes some sort of automation. It is a global search algorithm thus avoids a local minimum. This new design paradigm offers a way to implement simple but robust solutions that cover a wide range of aerodynamic variations. Simulation results are performed to illustrate the engagement performance and applicability of this proposed design.     

ETW: simulations of true flight behaviour

The capabilities of the European Transonic Windtunnel ETW to simulate flight conditions by testing at cryogenic temperatures are presented. The achieved flow quality and tunnel control form the basis for an excellent data repeatability and a high confidence level in the deliverables. Unique instrumentation has been developed to provide additional information about the test object and the surrounding flow field during tunnel entries. Typical samples of Reynolds number effects are shown. Productivity aspects are considered on the basis of recently performed test scenarios.