Rapid Hypersonic Yaw Maneuver Evaluation Framework (RHYME)

We propose to develop and validate a modeling and simulation framework, called Rapid Hypersonic Yaw Maneuver Evaluation (RHYME) for the assessment and optimization of innovative aerodynamic hypersonic control concepts toward their ability to reduce the time constants of yaw maneuvers of hypersonic high lift-to-drag (L/D) boost-glide vehicles. Within this framework, initial candidate designs will be defined, aerodynamic databases will be generated, and the maneuverability of these concepts will be evaluated. Efforts in Phase I will focus on evaluation of different initial design concepts by comparing aerodynamic performance data, and estimating the time constant and size weight and power (SWaP) of the candidate control system. Efforts in Phase II will include full 6-DoF guidance navigation and control (GNC) simulations, coupled to CFD ResearchÆs in-house Multi-objective Surrogate-assisted Evolutionary Algorithms for Guided Weapon Design (MEADOW). Optimization objectives in Phase II include: minimizing the time constant, volume, mass and drag of additional control systems, while maximizing kinetic energy of the vehicle. The aerodynamic predictions of the framework will be anchored and validated by hypersonic high-enthalpy experiments in Phase II. Testing will occur across a range of Mach numbers and altitudes, with the ability to assess high-enthalpy effects on flow transition and separation in the vicinity of the control surfaces, and also assessing their effectiveness due to the high-enthalpy flow physics. Approved for Public Release | 24-MDA-11673 (8 Jan 24)