Paper Session I-B - Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Space Shuttle Vehicle and Exhaust Plume Flows at High Altitude Flight Conditions

Paper Session I-B - Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Space Shuttle Vehicle and Exhaust Plume Flows at High Altitude Flight Conditions

Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Columbia/Enterprise Rooms

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has provided verification of Space Shuttle flight performance details and is being applied to performance predictions with Advanced Solid Rocket Motors (ASRM's) scheduled to begin operation in 1997. Advancements in CFD methodology described herein have allowed definition of exhaust plume flow details completing the capability for 'nose-to-plume' simulation. CFD predictions of the Space Shuttle vehicle aerodynamic performance at Mach 3.5 and 107,000 ft with ASRM's confirm no adverse effects for high-altitude flight conditions.