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 | Supporting Organization | Academia | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
Project Closeout
Currently modeling tools are unable to accurately predict the regolith and particle environment due to plume-surface interactions when a spacecraft is landing on a body using powered descent. High-speed ejection of granular material results in scouring and dust impregnation of exposed hardware, reduced visibility, and potential spoofing of the landing sensors. Through a partnership with the University of Michigan, and a companion CIF through NASA Marshall (who partnered with Johns Hopkins University), the objective of this CIF was to further modeling capabilities for future plume-surface interactions simulations. Specifically, this work focuses on performing one to one comparisons between particle laden computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and dedicated validation experiments. Excellent comparisons were observed between the simulations and the experiments, and a preliminary evaluation of the drag model used in the CFD simulations was performed, showing how the predicted particle velocity distribution is sensitive to the numerical drag law chosen.
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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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