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.