Plume Interaction by Strap-On Launch Vehicles
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.P.2.04
- Author
Dr. Paulo Moraes Jr., CTA/ Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Brazil
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Strap-on staged launch vehicles, as for instance the Brazilian satellite launch vehicle VLS, presents a very complex flow field in the rear part of the vehicle when boosters and sustainer motors are simultaneously burning. Depending on the flight time and altitude an interaction of the plumes of the exhausting motor gases can occur. The plume interaction does influence strongly the flow field in the base region resulting in higher drag due to pressure decrease. Nevertheless if the plumes interact, an adverse effect occurs, increasing the pressure in that region because the plumes block the oncoming flow. In this case the base drag component decreases and consequently the total drag does the same. Based on experimental wind tunnel test results, an analysis of the base drag variation due to plume interaction during the flight of VLS with burning boosters and core motor has been made. The article explains the phenomena, describes the experimental work and shows and discusses the results obtained with the analysis.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.P.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.