Design and CFD Analysis on the Reduction of Thermal Effect in Re-entry Vehicle by Using Retractable Aerospike

Abstract

The shape optimization of two spike classes was investigated in this study. A spike with a sharp and blunt spikes reduces drag and aero-thermodynamic heating and enables longer ranges for economical flight. Conversion of kinetic energy into heat when coming down to earth causes damage—the blunt nose design increases maximum temperature and density at the vehicle’s nose. Sharp-fore bodies reduce drag but provide only an area for dispersing heat flux downstream of the shock wave—the increased area of a blunt fore-body aids in efficient heat dissipation. ANSYS Fluent is used to analyze blunt bodies with blunt and sharp spike configurations, as well as the effect of counter flow. The findings suggest drag reductions ranging from 44% to 61%. The twin-spike design is the best among the models studied, with a 44 percent reduction in peak heat flux and a 46 percent reduction in the drag coefficient. Thermal protection systems, commonly used to reduce heat in re-entry vehicles, are costly. The aim of this study is to minimize re-entry heating by introducing a spike in the frontal region of the nose and preventing further vehicle damage at high temperatures.