Shape optimization of reentry vehicles to minimize heat loading

The objective of the current study is to design an optimum reentry vehicle shape that minimizes heat loading subject to constraints on the maximum values of surface heat flux and temperature. A new formulation is developed for the heat loading calculations. Axisymmetric Navier-Stokes and finite rate chemical reaction equations are solved to evaluate the objective and constraint functions. The Menter SST turbulence model is employed for turbulence closure. A gradient-based method is utilized for optimization. The sensitivities of the objective and constraint functions are evaluated using the finite difference method. In design optimization, the geometry change or the geometry itself is parameterized using different numbers of NURBS or Bezier curves. Designs are performed at different trajectory points of the IRV-2 vehicle. The effects of flight path angle and reentry velocity on the heat transfer and trajectory characteristics of the original and designed geometries are quantified.