12th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies 15 - 19 December 2003, Norfolk, Virginia

AIAA 2003-7074

AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HYPER-X LAUNCH VEHICLE

Luis M. Bermdez*, Robert D. Gladden, Michael S. Jeffries*, Damon L. McMillan, Joshua R. Porter, and Vincent C. Allen Orbital Sciences Corporation Chandler, AZ Walter C. Engelund NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA ABSTRACT The aerodynamic characterization of the Hyper-X Launch Vehicle (HXLV) represents an extremely challenging task. This unique geometry, dictated by the combination of the Pegasus launch vehicle first stage and the unshrouded X-43A Research Vehicle (RV), experiences a large variety of flow conditions resulting in a complex aerodynamic environment under which the vehicle must operate. Responses that ultimately require detailed modeling and analyses to ensure a robust flight system design are those associated with the effects of the vorticity emanating from the forebody, the susceptibility of this configuration to roll disturbances, and the possibility of shock interactions. Within this frame and as part of the Return-To-Flight (RTF) activities, NASA and Orbital carried out an extensive data collection campaign and intensive model development effort with the objective of increasing the knowledge of the aerodynamics associated with the different phases of flight through which the HXLV flies as well as improving its characterization into the aerodynamic database. During this time, mathematical models were revisited and assumptions validated; ten separate wind tunnel entries, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) studies, and other analytical approximations were carried out as part of the data collection strategy; and data analyzed and implemented into aerodynamic models in a continuous process. The final result of this effort is a database that reproduces the unique and often non-linear aerodynamic behavior of the HXLV over a wide range of flow conditions, vehicle attitude and control surface deflections that span the complete flight envelope. NOMENCLATURE
a b c

speed of sound wing span wing mean aerodynamic chord axial force coefficient, Axial Force qS rolling moment coefficient,

CA
Cl Cm Cn CN C RBM

Rolling Moment qSb

pitching moment coefficient,

Pitching Moment qSc

yawing moment coefficient,

Yawing Moment qSb

normal force coefficient, Normal Force qS root bending moment coefficient,

Root Bending Moment qSc

CY
*

side force coefficient, Side Force qS Froude number, V 2 lg gravity acceleration characteristic length, c 2 or b 2 Mach number, V a

Senior Aerodynamic Engineer, Member AIAA Aerodynamic Engineer, Member AIAA Aerodynamic Engineer Aerodynamics, Performance, and Flight Mechanics Group Manager Senior Aerospace Engineer, Associate Fellow AIAA

Fr
g l

1 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

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