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Spacecraft



Hauptwerkzeuge der Abteilung Raumfahrzeuge: Flugversuch, multidisziplinäre Simulation und Großversuchsanlagen (hier: HEG), Credit: © DLR. Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Aerothermodynamic design and analysis of spacecraft and their components

In the Spacecraft Department, we develop, qualify and apply numerical and experimental tools and methods for the complete aerodynamic and aerothermal design and characterization of aerospace vehicles and their components during all phases of a mission.

Competencies

Our numerical prediction methods cover all flow regimes relevant to space flight: they can be used to compute flows from hypersonic to low subsonic speeds, from dense supercritical fluids to highly rarefied gas flows. Tailored to the degree of fidelity required, these tools range from engineering pre-design methods and semi-empirical approaches to the high-end DLR CFD solvers TAU and CODA, capable of modelling high enthalpy flows, combustion processes and multi-phase thermodynamics for the multidisciplinary design, analysis and optimization of aerospace vehicles.
Experiments in our DLR large-scale test facilities, such as the high enthalpy channel or the simulation facilities for propellant jets for chemical and electric engines in Göttingen, complement our numerical work. At the DLR site in Trauen we operate a test bed for hybrid rocket engines (solid fuel and liquid oxidant) and for engines using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as fuel. The H2O2 infrastructure is unique in Germany.
Any assumptions made in developing a numerical model, or unavoidable restrictions in the laboratory, are ultimately put to test in a realistic application. We thus strive to complement our numerical and experimental research and development by conducting dedicated flight experiments. By skillfully applying and continuously improving our three interdependent design tools, namely computational fluid dynamics, ground based testing and flight experiments, we accomplish our objectives and are recognized as a distinguished partner of many research institutions DLR institutes, as well as industrial partners and agencies and research institutions across the globe.

Main research topics

  • Hypersonic high temperature gas dynamics
  • Numerical design of space transportation configurations and flight experiments
  • Multidisciplinary analysis of space transportation configurations
  • Multidisciplinary numerical simulation of liquid rocket engines
  • Multidisciplinary design and analysis of hybrid- and solid rocket engines
  • Orbital thruster plume expansion and interaction with its environment
  • Development of diagnostic tools and methods for experiments in hypersonic, high enthalpy flows, rarefied flows and electric thrusters

Contact
Dr. Jan Martinez Schramm
Head of Department

German Aerospace Center

Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology
, Spacecraft
Göttingen

Tel.: +49 551 709-2323

Fax: +49 551 709-2800

Dr. Thino Eggers
Head of Department

German Aerospace Center

Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology
, Spacecraft
Braunschweig

Tel.: +49 531 295-2436

Fax: +49 531 295-2320

Related Topics
Space Transportation and Safety
Spacecraft Propulsion and Power
Ground Support Systems and Facilities (Space)
Pollutant
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Combustible
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