The optimization of earth orbit reentry vehicle configurations

The optimization design of aerodynamic configurations for earth orbit reentry vehicles is treated. Choosing the total heat transfer as the objective function and taking account of the design requirement of the longitudinal aerodynamical stability for reentry vehicles with the given reentry weight and the fixed fineness ratio, we utilize the interior point penalty function method to determine the minimum aerodynamic heat transfer configuration which meets the specified requirement of the longitudinal stability. The results indicate that the near double cone with a flat nose is an attractive aerodynamic shape for earth orbit reentry vehicles. The total reentry heat transfer and the weight of reentry thermal shielding can be reduced to a great extent. The longitudinal aerodynamic stability could be raised effectively.