Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF
Towards Validated, Accurate, & Predictive Simulations of High-Speed Particle-Laden Flows
Project Introduction
This task will perform the highest-fidelity simulations to date of finite-size particles in high-speed jets, and will focus on validating the numerical predictions with experimental data by partnering with MFSC. Model uncertainty will be quantified based on dedicated validation experiments in new Mach number/particle regimes.
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Anticipated Benefits
Current models are unable to accurately predict the environment that a spacecraft is exposed to during a powered descent landing event. The effects of plume/surface interactions become more severe as landed mass increases. Validated predictive modeling capabilities will be required to land larger payloads (>M2020 mass, i.e., human-class) NASA missions. This work involves a direct comparison between numerical and experimental results to quantitatively determine accuracy of physical models used in simulations of spacecraft landing on a body using powered descent, such a the Moon, Mars, or other solar system bodies. Current existing modeling tools show qualitative agreement, but InSight predictions did not match observed cratering. There is a need for validated modeling tools for future, larger landed missions. This work leverages state-of-the-art academic codes by partnering with the University of Michigan.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Supporting Organization | Academia | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Jason Rabinovitch
Project Duration
Start: Oct 2018
End: Sep 2019
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX09 Entry, Descent, and Landing
- TX09.4 Vehicle Systems
- TX09.4.5 Modeling and Simulation for EDL
Target Destinations
Earth, The Moon, Mars
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