Simulation of Strap-On Boosters Separation in the Dense Atmosphere

A numerical dynamic-aerodynamic interface code for the separation dynamics simulation of constra­in­ed strap-on boosters jettisoned in the atmosphere is presented. This code includes a main environme­nt which connects both dynamic and aerodynamic subsystems together at one time. The first part، consists of a 6-DOF multi body dynamic solver and the second part، contains a numeric­al aerodynamic flow solver، which is automatically used the dynamic mesh updating algorithm for adaption of the body motion in the discrete computa­tion­al field. The relationship between dynamic and aero­dyn­a­m­i­c solver is such that the resultant separation software، can simulates mult­­i body separation with complete mechanisms such as springs separation، Thrusters، joints، etc، in the presence of the aero­dyna­mic effects. The flow solver is validated by the Titan-IV launch vehicle experimental data. After all، this method is used in simulation of strap-on booster separation for a typical launch vehicle with use of spring separation system and constraint joints in presence of aerodynamic effects and without them. Hence the aim of presented interface is to facilitate integration of complicated separation mechanisms simulation with a full numerical CFD aerody­n­a­m­ic solver.