ESR2 - RLV recovery strategies (WP2, WP4)

• Host institution:
  Technische Universität Dresden
• Main Supervisor:
  Dr. Christian Bach
  
• Enrolment:
  Technische Universität Dresden

The research focus of ESR 2 is on technologies for Reusable Launch Vehicles recovery, more specifically on retro-propulsion in vertical landing scenarios. In this field, Advanced Nozzle Concepts (such as Aerospike Engines and Dual-bell Nozzles) could overcome critical phenomena that arise during atmospheric re-entry and retro-propulsion maneuvers, together with achieving performance gains during ascent/boost-back/descent phases thanks to their intrinsic altitude-compensation and higher expansion ratios.

In role of ESR 2 at Technische Universität Dresden, the research activities include design and 3D printing of advanced nozzles in collaboration with ESR 6, cold-flow experimental campaigns on conventional and advanced nozzles in various retro-flow configurations, together with ground-effect investigations. These activities include performance evaluation at design points and sea-level condition, optical diagnostic techniques (i.e., background-oriented schlieren) and measurements of pressure distribution along a reference body-extension for evaluation of pressure coefficients for the aerodynamics resulting from counter-flow/nozzle-jet interaction. The experiments are supported in parallel by numerical studies in AnSYS Fluent as visualization tools of the aerodynamics interference between the flows, evaluation of aerodynamic coefficients and extension of this study to uniform counter-flows that could not be replicated though experiments.

The final goals of the research activities include the generation of a numerical and experimental database for retro engines with reverse-flow interactions, together with the justification of the choice of a favorable engine layout for retro-propulsion applications.