Publications
Aerothermal analysis for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
The force on and the heat flux to the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) during drag passes are analyzed. Aerobraking takes place in the higher/rarefied levels of the Martian atmosphere, where traditional continuum flui d dynamics methods cannot be applied. Therefore, molecular gas dynamics simulations such as the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method are used to calculate these flow fields and provide heating and aerodynamic predictions for the vehicles. The heating and aerodynamic predictions calculated for the MRO include the heat transfer coefficient (C{sub h}), calculated for a number of angles of attack and the drag coefficient (C{sub D}) calculated for a number of altitudes and velocities. Bridging relations are sought that are applicable over the range of conditions of interest. A sensitivity analysis of the results to the chemical reaction rates, surface accommodation and temperature is also performed.