Date of Award

Summer 2026

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Michael P. Kinzel

Committee Chair Email

[email protected]

First Committee Member

Emanuela Gaglio

First Committee Member Email

[email protected]

Second Committee Member

Riccardo Bevilacqua

Second Committee Member Email

[email protected]

Third Committee Member

Brendon Cavainolo

Third Committee Member Email

[email protected]

College Dean

James W. Gregory

Abstract

This research focuses on optimizing the control of a drag-maneuvering, Starship-class re-entry vehicle by closely integrating high-fidelity aerodynamic data derived from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, specifically using StarCCM+. The aerodynamic models, tailored to the unique geometry of a drag-maneuvering body, are seamlessly incorporated into a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) framework. This integration enables closed-loop CFD simulations with real-time control feedback, allowing for direct analysis and optimization of vehicle stability, trajectory, and control demands throughout the re-entry process.

Building upon the work of Gaglio and Bevilacqua, this advanced CFD-GNC model introduces high-order aerodynamic effects, such as aerodynamic moments and refined control inputs, as well as a deeper understanding of thermal requirements encountered during re-entry. The resulting multidisciplinary framework provides a comprehensive approach for evaluating and designing vehicle geometries that are best suited to withstand and perform under the challenging conditions of atmospheric re-entry.

In this effort, a methodology is developed that links high-fidelity details of the vehicle to optimal control problems. The approach leverages the control problem to enable inverse design of control strategies tailored for drag-maneuvering reentry vehicles. The results will comprehensively document both the CFD process and the adaptation of the algorithm, providing a thorough account of the integration and its impact on vehicle performance and control during atmospheric re-entry.

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