Aerodynamic characteristics of different configurations of mechanically deployable aerodynamic decelerator in subsonic region

Abstract

The deceleration effect of the deployable aerodynamic decelerator is not as good as a parachute in the subsonic region. This paper proposes a novel concept of using a parachute-like configuration (PLC) to enhance the deceleration performance of the mechanically deployable aerodynamic decelerator (MDAD) through structural transformation. The MDAD turned into the PLC from the sphere cone configuration (SCC) at Ma 0.8. The aerodynamic characteristics of the two configurations are analysed deeply. Compared to the SCC, the results show that the drag coefficient increases effectively, and the maximum increases is about 10% in the PLC. The airflow is altered by the MDAD configuration, which can affect the surface pressure and temperature. During the transformation process, the axial and normal force coefficients tend to stabilise. However, the static stability of the PLC deteriorates sharply compared to the SCC when the angle-of-attack exceeds 45°.