High Fidelity Rocket Plume Model Validation Using New Data Sets to Support Boost-Phase Intercept Studies

"High-fidelity TBM rocket plume simulations performed using the CRAFT CFD code (under MDA, MSIC and AFRL support) for boost phase intercept studies, indicate the need to improve modeling capabilities in the 40-80 km altitude regime. At 40-60 km, modelingcomplexities entail predicting plume-induced separation in a laminar-turbulent transitional regime. At 60-80 km, non-continuum effects must be addressed. While advanced modeling techniques have been under development to address this complex physics,pertinent fluid dynamic data is not available for validation. This effort has as its overall goal the validation of rocket plume models at 40-80 km using new data sets to be obtained in the CUBRC LENS hypersonic shoot tunnel facility. Related work fordivert jet interactions has been performed at 40-60 km altitudes in a collaborative effort performed by Dash et. al at CRAFT Tech and Holden et. al at CUBRC. Specific elements of our Phase I effort will include: (1) CFD studies of a generic TBM systemat 40-60 km using engineering and advanced transitional methodology; (2) CFD studies of this same system at 60-80 km using ship-regime extensions and hybrid continuum/DSMC methodology; and (3) LENS experimental scope-out for TBM model tests includingmodel blueprints and detailed test matrix. Experiments to obtain the new data for model validation will be performed in Phase II. CRAFT Tech has played a leading role in supporting varied TBM