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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Developing, verifying and validating a new simulation tool for modeling parachute inflation in supersonic flow.
Research will investigate and bring to application maturity a new simulation approach for modeling fluid-structure interaction in supersonic flows. The particular application of interest is the highly dynamic parachute inflation phase in supersonic flow. The new approach uses a lagrangian structural mesh embedded within an eulerian flow. This will lead to a breakthrough capability not currently possible with existing tools.
This will enable the development of simulations of parachute inflation for design and verification of planetary atmospheric entry systems.
Ensure reliable parachute deployment for Mars spacecraft during atmospheric entry.
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