Nonequilibrium computational flowfield analysis for the design of mars manned entry vehicles

¹ Seconda Università di Napoli (SUN) 29 via Roma, Aversa 81031, Italy
² Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali via Maiorise, Capua 81043, Italy

Abstract

This paper deals with the aerodynamic exploration analysis of innovative unusual vehicle concepts, suitable for a manned Mars entry, aiming to support design studies of planetary entry systems. In this framework, two lifting body (LB) configurations have been analyzed so far. Several fully three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, both for a perfect gas model and for a nonequilibrium reacting gas mixture model, have been performed. The flowfield environment past the exploration vehicle for an assigned Mars entry scenario has been addressed. To this end, a wide range of flow conditions, including different angles of attack (AoA), various Mach numbers, and Reynolds numbers, have been investigated. Results reported in the paper are useful for providing numerical data for further understanding the fluid dynamics processes, as those of high enthalpy flow and vehicle shape effects, involved in the design analysis of LB vehicles for the exploration of Mars.