Numerical simulation on rolling characteristics of canard-controlled rockets with a free-spinning tail

Abstract

Rolling characteristics of the canard-controlled rocket with a free-spinning tail are researched based on 3-dimensional Navier–Stokes (N–S) equations. The slide mesh technology of computational fluid dynamics is used to numerically simulate the flow field when tails rotate relative to the rocket body and research the varying pattern of roll moment coefficients of the whole rocket, tail, and canard with Mach number. The comparison between the computation results and a part of experimental data shows that the simulation method is accurate. The convergence criterion during the numerical simulation is put forward; the induced rotation speed of the free-spinning tail and the roll moment coefficient of the rocket under this rotation in actual flight when the canard deflects by 10[Formula: see text] for roll control are obtained and the reason for the free-spinning tail being able to eliminate roll coupling is analyzed. The research provides a reference for the configuration design of canard-controlled rockets with a free-spinning tail and the numerical simulation of their aerodynamic characteristics.