Integrated Trajectory Shaping Vehicle Simulation for Evaluating Thermal/Structural Design Strategies

Stand-alone tools exist which are capable of calculating the aerothermal loads, the thermal protection system (TPS) response, and the dynamic thermal/structural response of airframes and components of hypersonic trajectory shaping vehicles (TSVs). However, a coupled design and analysis tool is needed to accurately model and evaluate thermal protection systems, airframes, and internal electronic components for the developmental TSVs. Furthermore, future missions require not just TPS sizing verification, but also rapid evaluation of candidate strategies for withstanding long term heating, which often involve vehicle-level trade-off studies. This proposal will demonstrate that an integrated design simulation capability can be readily achieved using existing technologies and in some cases even commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) CAD-integrated software packages, with the benefit of yielding self-sustaining tools. The key to our approach is assembling a unique team consisting of the developers responsible for the leading thermal, aeroheating, and TPS analysis software.