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Orion Aerodynamics for Hypersonic Free Molecular to Continuum ConditionsNumerical simulations are performed for the Orion Crew Module, previously known as the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Command Module, to characterize its aerodynamics during the high altitude portion of its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, that is, from free molecular to continuum hypersonic conditions. The focus is on flow conditions similar to those that the Orion Crew Module would experience during a return from the International Space Station. The bulk of the calculations are performed with two direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) codes, and these data are anchored with results from both free molecular and Navier-Stokes calculations. Results for aerodynamic forces and moments are presented that demonstrate their sensitivity to rarefaction, that is, for free molecular to continuum conditions (Knudsen numbers of 111 to 0.0003). Also included are aerodynamic data as a function of angle of attack for different levels of rarefaction and results that demonstrate the aerodynamic sensitivity of the Orion CM to a range of reentry velocities (7.6 to 15 km/s).
Document ID
20060056443
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Moss, James N.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Greene, Francis A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Boyles, Katie A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
November 9, 2006
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 2006-8081
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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