Computational fluid dynamics analysis for improved escape system design

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes have been implemented to support several escape system design and development efforts. Major advances in computational hardware and numerical techniques in the last few years have allowed CFD methods to become an effective design and analysis tool. CFD analysis has been performed to calculate escape system aerodynamic coefficients for six degree-of-freedom models, assess the performance of deployable surfaces for improved aerodynamic stability, analyze windblast protection concepts, and analyze rocket plume exhaust effects. CFD data has been incorporated into existing six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) trajectory models. Escape engineers use these models to predict the dynamic performance of conceptual designs for comparison to current systems.