Title:
Investigation of Drag Modulated Supersonic Inflatable
Aerodynamic Decelerators for Use on Sounding Rocket
Payloads
Investigation of Drag Modulated Supersonic Inflatable
Aerodynamic Decelerators for Use on Sounding Rocket
Payloads
Author(s)
Miller, Matthew J.
Advisor(s)
Braun, Robert D.
Editor(s)
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Abstract
This paper presents an assessment of use of a supersonic inflatable aerodynamic
decelerator for drag modulation of a sounding rocket payload bus structure as part of a
high-altitude sample return mission. The scientific goal of this mission is to capture
mesospheric dust and particulate matter located 45 km to 85 km in altitude. This
mission is also to demonstrate technology that is capable of precise landings by
combining a decelerator system comprised of inflatable aerodynamic decelerator to
reach within 10 km with a guided parafoil system. Three decelerator configurations, the
tension cone, attached isotensoid, and the trailing isotensoid, were examined on the
metrics of decelerator mass, aerodynamic performance, and vehicle integration. The
attached isotensoid was found to be the most mass efficient option, while the trailing
isotensoid was determined to be preferable from an overall system level perspective. The
decelerators’ precision landing capability through the use of drag modulation was also
evaluated. Downrange error was reduced by 21% by drag modulation as compared to
an 8.5 m supersonic disk-gap-band parachute. When coupled with a guided parafoil,
drag modulation provides a 95% confidence level in landing within the 10 km parafoil
capability region, and a 76% confidence level of landing within 5 km of the target.
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Date Issued
2013-12-13
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
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