Evaluation of the effectiveness of VLS launcher flame deflector

The considerations made in the design of a flame deflector for the launch p ad of the Brazilian satellite launch vehicle (VLS) are presented. Its main requirements and design criterion are discussed. A post-flight analysis is presented based on local inspection of the launch pad as well as photograph s taken during liftoff, showing that the main requirements have been satisf ied. A three-dimensional numerical simulation of the flow field is also pre sented. A solution of the Navier-Stokes equations was obtained by applying an implicit finite volume algorithm. The numerical results allowed a detail ed description of the flow field, and its results compared well with the ob served features of the flow. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.