SOME ASPECTS OF THE AERODYNAMICS OF SEPARATING STRAP-ONS

An aerodynamic model for analyzing strap-on separation is proposed. Th is model comprises both interference aerodynamics and free-body aerody namics. The interference aerodynamics is primarily due to the close pr oximity of core and strap-ons. The free-body aerodynamics is solely du e to the body geometry of the strap-ons. Using this aerodynamic model, the dynamics of separating strap-ons has been simulated in a six-degr ee-of-freedom mode to determine if a collision occurs. This aerodynami c model is very handy for various off-design studies relating to separ ating strap-ons.