Simulation of Strap-on Boosters Separation in the Atmosphere

A numerical dynamic-aerodynamic interface for simulating the separation dynamics of constrainedstrap-on boosters jettisoned in the atmosphere is presented. The aim of the presented interface is tofacilitate the simultaneous simulation of complicated dynamic separation mechanisms and fullnumerical CFD aerodynamic solver. A 6-DOF multi body dynamic solver using Constraint ForceEquation Methodology is coupled with a numerical time dependent Euler flow solver. An automaticdynamic mesh updating procedure is employed using smoothing and local remeshing technique. Thisinterface can simulate multi body separation problem by modeling the full separation mechanisms likesprings, thrusters, joints and so on, regarding the aerodynamic effects. The flow solver is validated bythe Titan-IV launch vehicle experimental data. The proposed simulated separation integration is usedfor a typical launch vehicle with two strap-on boosters using spring ejector mechanism and sphericalconstraint joints acting in the dense atmosphere.