Experimental Characterization of Jet Interaction Effects for EDL Vehicle Configurations

Future human and robotic missions to planetary bodies such as Mars and Titan will require advances in Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) technologies. Guidance during these phases is typically accomplished through reaction control systems (RCS), while deceleration may occur through retropropulsion. Both RCS thrusters and retropropulsion release jets of fluid that penetrate and interact with the high speed flow surrounding an entry vehicle. Prediction of jet interaction effects for re-entry vehicles is an open research question that requires tight coupling of wind tunnel experiments and advanced computational modeling. Through NSTGRO, I will conduct an experimental campaign in the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Mach 7 wind tunnel to (1) advance the fundamental understanding of jet interaction effects, (2) develop and apply laser-based hypersonic diagnostic techniques to jet interaction flow fields, and (3) generate a series of time-resolved datasets for aerosciences model validation. In addition to non- intrusive laser diagnostics, I will apply a variety of experimental techniques such as high speed Schlieren and fast response pressure transducers. Accomplishing these goals will help advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of next-generation EDL architectures and enable ambitious NASA missions to Mars and other planetary bodies.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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