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Analytic Free-Molecular Aerodynamics for Rapid Propagation of Resident Space Objects

Hart, Kenneth A. and Simonis, Kyle R. and Steinfeldt, Bradley A. and Braun, Robert D. (2018) Analytic Free-Molecular Aerodynamics for Rapid Propagation of Resident Space Objects. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 55 (1). pp. 27-36. ISSN 0022-4650. doi:10.2514/1.a33606. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20230310-764944000.46

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Abstract

Aerodynamic forces and moments are significant perturbations on low-Earth-orbiting objects, second in magnitude to the nonspherical gravity field. Traditionally, the aerodynamic perturbations are calculated using a direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Under certain assumptions, these forces and moments can be described analytically via free-molecular flow theory. Using symbolic manipulation techniques, exact expressions for the free-molecular aerodynamics of analytic shapes can be derived. In this investigation, analytic expressions for the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients of primitive and composite parametric surfaces are derived, then validated against industry-standard direct simulation Monte Carlo techniques. A framework for the rapid and accurate calculation of free-molecular aerodynamics of composite geometries based on superposition is described. This framework is applied to axisymmetric composite geometries. Results within 6% of direct simulation Monte Carlo calculations are obtained in 0.05% of the time. The analytic aerodynamics models enable rapid trajectory and uncertainty propagation for low-Earth-orbiting objects. A case study on aerodynamic perturbations of a low-Earth-orbit nanosatellite is included to demonstrate application of these analytic models. The case study shows that these derived analytical free-molecular aerodynamics produce results that are applicable to inclusion in rapid trajectory propagation tools for orbit prediction and conceptual mission design.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33606DOIArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Hart, Kenneth A.0000-0002-1079-0136
Additional Information:The work in this paper was funded by U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory contract no. FA9453-13-C-0205.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)FA9453-13-C-0205
Issue or Number:1
DOI:10.2514/1.a33606
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20230310-764944000.46
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20230310-764944000.46
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:119953
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: George Porter
Deposited On:14 Mar 2023 22:59
Last Modified:14 Mar 2023 22:59

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