Aerodynamic Characteristics of Irregularly Shaped Intercept Fragments

Techsburg, Inc. proposes to leverage our expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to numerically predict the lift and drag characteristics of irregularly-shaped intercept fragments and experimentally validate a subset of the results using our in-house supersonic wind tunnel facility. We will apply 3D laser scanning technology to digitize the geometry of sponsor-supplied intercept fragment samples, and then construct CFD grids based on this geometry. CFD simulations will then be conducted over a wide range of fragment geometries and flow conditions. We will measure the aerodynamic loads acting on fragments at Mach 1.6 over a range of orientations using the Techsburg Supersonic Blowdown Wind Tunnel, with the goal of experimentally validating the CFD results. Finally, the CFD and test data will be parameterized into correlations that can be used as part of existing fragment trajectory prediction codes.