Time-Accurate Computational Analysis of the Flame Trench Applications

Abstract

Time-accurate high-fidelity simulations of launch environments are performed to assess the effects of ignition overpresssure (IOP) waves on launch vehicles and surrounding structures. Simulations are performed using the dual-time stepping method, and assume a single-species gas model. This numerical procedure is applied to a series of three-dimensional simulations modeling the IOP behavior of Ares I-X launch pad configurations. Analysis of the flame trench for the STS-124 damage repair effort is also performed. Results are compared to flight data where possible and good agreement is achieved for all cases.