High-Fidelity Modeling of Ablation and Coupled CFD-Material Response

This research proposal seeks to improve the state of the art in the modeling and simulation of ablating thermal protection systems (TPS). It will accomplish the modeling goals by taking physics based approaches to the governing equations, and using sensitivity analysis to identify key processes and mechanisms for study. Additionally, it will work to couple all new capabilities developed to a well validated high fidelity computational fluid dynamics code (US3D). Finally, it will investigate the feasibility of performing fully coupled full trajectory simulations using capabilities developed in the research.. These goals are consistent with NASA's continued investment in improving aerothermal simulation tools, and are en essential part of creating the enabling technologies required for future exploration missions.

This project seeks to improve the state of the art in the modeling and simulation of ablating thermal protection systems (TPS). The project goals are consistent with NASA's continued investment in improving aerothermal simulation tools, and areaen essential part of creating the enabling technologies required for future exploration missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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