Validation of Multiphysics Coupled Analysis Capability for Realistic Hypersonic Vehicle Structures

ABSTRACT: The proposed CRP effort focuses on the validation of a multiphysics simulation framework through the pre- and post-test prediction of  Mach 5-7 hypersonic vehicle test panels. Specifically, the proposed effort seeks to advance the software framework to TRL-7/8 by validating against measurements made from planned hypersonic wind tunnel tests. The first stage of the effort focuses on simulation of an industry-designed panel, to be tested in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) High Temperature Tunnel (HTT). This industry panel will be designed with a safety margin to satisfy flight worthiness requirements. In the second stage, the proposed effort will include pre- and post-test simulation and validation of a panel with significantly greater aerothermoelastic response in order to test the tools for design at substantially lower structural margins. The second panel would be tested in the HTT, an Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) wind tunnel or a similar hypersonic-capable facility.; BENEFIT: The proposed effort is aligned with the Structural Sciences Center's near-term plans to manage the design, fabrication of representative hypersonic vehicle structures as part of the AFRL/RQ Hypersonic Predictive Capability Program (FA8650-08-D-3858, Task Order 0032). In the longer term, these validated high-fidelity tools would allow for a structural design to proceed with confidence using lower margins, i.e., with minimized conservatism, and thus will be a lower-weight, more efficient vehicle and therefore are an enabling technology for hypersonic flight and testing.