A Study on the Prediction of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Launch Vehicle Using CFD

전산유동해석에 의한 발사체 공력 특성 예측에 관한 연구

A space launch vehicle departs the ground in a low speed, soon reaches a transonic and a supersonic speed, and then flies in a hypersonic speed into the space. Therefore, the design of a launch vehicle should include the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics for all speed regimes, ranging from subsonic to hypersonic speed. Generally, Empirical and analytical methods and wind tunnel tests are used for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics. This research presents considerable factors for aerodynamic analysis of a launch vehicle using CFD. This investigation was conducted to determine effects of wake over the base section on the aerodynamic characteristics of a launch vehicle and also performed to determine effects of the sting which exist to support wind tunnel test model.