Project
Space Team Aachen Computational Fluid Dynamics Research
As Space Team Aachen, we are involved in a variety of projects that primarily advance space research in Germany while also supporting students in this field. The use of the High-Performance Cluster during the observed period served to investigate flows around flight bodies or, in some cases, the examination of flows within cooling channels. For this purpose, a variety of simulations were created using the CFD program Siemens STAR-CCM+ with the Finite Volume Method. All projects, as well as the entire work of the association, serve non-commercial research. The following section lists the individual projects:
Project Details
Project term
January 16, 2023–January 31, 2024
Affiliations
RWTH Aachen University
Institute
Chair of High Pressure Gas Dynamics
Principal Investigator
Methods
The STAHR project focuses on the development of a high-altitude research rocket, which is part of the DLR’s STERN project and aims to reach an altitude of 10 km. The objective is to promote the development of a student-built rocket. The cluster was used to create CFD simulations to analyze the airflow around the rocket. The first goal was to generate simulations that provide accurate approximations of real airflow, even in the supersonic range. Based on the results, all external components of the rocket were developed. Subsequently, further simulations were conducted to determine the temperature and forces acting on the entire rocket. This objective was not fully achieved within the observed period.
Another project, named TRACE, involves the development of a re-entry body into the atmosphere equipped with a reusable cooling system. A gas is used for cooling, passing through a porous layer in the entry body. Here, too, the objective was to create CFD simulations to validate the cooling functionality. A significant challenge was the necessity to simulate high speeds of up to Mach 3.5, requiring highly precise simulations that demand substantial computational power.
The third project, initially named Aquila and later Aquila Maris, had the same goal as the STAHR rocket but without the requirement to reach an altitude of 10 km. Additionally, airbrakes were developed and their effects during flight were analyzed. Toward the end of the observed period, another project called Hopper was established within our association. This project focuses on the development of a rocket-like flight body with a liquid engine, designed to be reusable and capable of landing again. Here, the High-Performance Cluster was utilized to accurately predict the cooling effects within the channels of the engine. The methods applied are the same as those used in the previously mentioned projects.
Results
The rocket from the Aquila project participated in the Spaceport America Cup in 2023. Unfortunately, due to technical issues, no comparative data could be transmitted, preventing the validation of the simulations. The re-entry body with the TRACE heat shield also flew on a rocket from the DLR’s REXUS project, encountering the same issue. The STAHR project rocket is scheduled for launch in October 2024. The next objectives include conducting simulations with the final design on the cluster to predict the anticipated flight trajectory using the obtained coefficients. Subsequently, the currently developed aerodynamic model will be compared with the results of the actual flight.
Additional Project Information
DFG classification: 404-03 Fluid Mechanics
Software: Star-CCM+
Cluster: CLAIX