Multiphysics, Coupled Analysis Framework for Hypersonic Vehicle Structures

This proposal addresses the development of a practical multiphysics coupled analysis framework for hypersonic vehicle structures. This Phase I SBIR has two parts. The first part involves the definition of a hypersonic vehicle mission and its aero-thermal environments to locate and characterize regions where tightly coupled analysis will be necessary. This will include a thorough review of the current state-of-the-art analysis methods and identification of the current limitations of each method in the context of the desired prediction confidence levels. The second part involves the development of a conceptual framework, using appropriate state-of-the-art multiphysics tools, to simulate the response of high-speed vehicle structures in those environments. As the proposed program requires integration of multiple engineering disciplines in order to achieve a best, practical solution, the SBIR team will utilize various areas of expertise within ATA Engineering, along with expert subcontractors. ATA and its partner at Mississippi State University have already successfully developed related multiphysics components, including coupled thermo-structural analysis, coupled aeroelastic analysis, and coupled aero-vibro-acoustic analysis. BENEFIT: The improved predictive accuracy of the multiphysics coupled analysis tool that will be developed under this SBIR will be a key enabler in the future development of hypersonic air vehicles that must withstand extreme aero-thermal and aero-acoustic environments. Applications in the DoD market include reusable and single-use military hypersonic vehicles, as well as stealth aircraft with ducted exhaust. In other commercial markets, a coupled fluid-thermal-structural design tool would have application to nuclear engineering and related DoE applications. An unsteady CFD tool that could accurately predict fluctuating pressure levels (FPL) loading under turbulent boundary layers and aerodynamic shocks would have very wide application.