Simulation of Strap-on Boosters Separation in the Atmosphere

A numerical dynamic-aerodynamic interface for simulating the separation dynamics of constrained strap-on boosters jettisoned in the atmosphere is presented. The aim of the presented interface is to facilitate the simultaneous simulation of complicated dynamic separation mechanisms and full numerical CFD aerodynamic solver. A 6-DOF multi body dynamic solver using Constraint Force Equation Methodology is coupled with a numerical time dependent Euler flow solver. An automatic dynamic mesh updating procedure is employed using smoothing and local remeshing technique. This interface can simulate multi body separation problem by modeling the full separation mechanisms like springs، thrusters، joints and so on، regarding the aerodynamic effects. The flow solver is validated by the Titan-IV launch vehicle experimental data. The proposed simulated separation integration is usedfor a typical launch vehicle with two strap-on boosters using spring ejector mechanism and spherical constraint joints acting in the dense atmosphere.