Transonic Uncertainty Modeling By Limited Expansion of Aerodynamics (TUMBLE Aero)

This project will create a low-cost but accurate transonic aerodynamic model for EDL flight missions by expanding existing aerodatabases to include static forces and moments at high angles of attack and applying oscillatory forcing to bound tumbling behavior. The main advantage over capturing transonic tumbling dynamics through expensive forced oscillation testing in a transonic tunnel facility is orders of magnitude in cost savings and access to an engineering model for low-cost NASA projects and commercial partners whose entry systems must fly through transonic regimes.

An engineering aerodynamic model characterizing an entry vehicle’s transonic dynamics will be delivered with all its physics-informed assumptions, and the model will be tested in a mature flight simulation to see if tumbling dynamics from flight observations can be reconciled. These observations, assumptions, and recommended use cases will be documented and can help future EDL missions develop their aerodatabases with low cost and risk. Success in this proposal can reduce the entrance costs for low-cost NASA EDL projects or commercial ventures in fully developing aerodatabases and flight simulations that can characterize a range of flight conditions and ultimately reduce the risk for public (range safety) and increase mission success.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.