Flow Simulation over Re-Entry Bodies at Supersonic & Hypersonic Speeds

In the present paper, flow simulations are carried on two design configurations of re-entry vehicles, FIRE II and OREX using commercial flow solvers. The purpose of the paper is to present the effect of flight attitude upon the aerodynamic characteristics of an Apollo shaped re-entry capsule. This paper exemplifies the importance of the aerodynamic forces effect on the motion of re-entry vehicle, especially at such high speeds, that even a slight change in angle of attack can severely alter the activity of the re-entry capsule including the shock wave which plays such a big factor in the fate of the craft. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding the effects of shock waves and illustrates how small change in flight attitude can alter the resulting aerodynamic forces on the capsule. Finally, any minor alteration to the shape of the craft will be discussed which have great implications on the dynamics of craft. Keywords— Capsules, CFD, Mach number, Re-Entry, Shock waves.