Hotchko, Nathaniel | Search NASA

NASA NTRS2008

Constraint Force Equation Methodology for Modeling Multi-Body Stage Separation Dynamics

This paper discusses a generalized approach to the multi-body separation problems in a launch vehicle staging environment based on constraint force methodology and its implementation into the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2), a widely used trajectory design and optimization tool. This development facilitates the inclusion of stage separation analysis into POST2 for seamless end-to-end simulations of launch vehicle trajectories, thus simplifying the overall implementation and providing a range of modeling and optimization capabilities that are standard features in POST2. Analysis and results are presented for two test cases that validate the constraint force equation methodology in a stand-alone mode and its implementation in POST2.

Toniolo, Matthew D.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Simulation and Analyses of Staging Maneuvers of Next Generation Reusable Launch Vehicles

NASA has initiated a comprehensive stage separation tool development activity to address the technology needed for successful development and operation of next generation reusable launch vehicles. As a part of this activity, ConSep simulation tool is being developed. This paper discusses the application of this tool to the staging maneuvers of two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) vehicles. Simulation and analyses are performed for two bimese TSTO concepts, one staging at Mach 3 and the other at Mach 6. The TSTO bimese vehicles used in this study are sized for international space station class payload. The proximity and isolated aerodynamic databases used in the simulation were generated using the data from wind tunnel tests conducted at NASA Langley Research Center. ConSep is a MATLAB-based front end to the commercially available ADAMS solver, an industry standard package for solving multi-body dynamic problems.

Pamadi, Bandu N.↗