Further Experimental Validation of a Fluid-Structure-Material Interaction (FSMI) Modeling and Simulation Toolset

ATA Engineering, Inc. (ATA), partnered with a nonprofit research institution, CUBRC, Inc., (CUBRC), proposes a Phase II STTR project to further develop and continue validating a novel multiphysics simulation technology. The project team will implement the technology in a fluid-structure-material interaction (FSMI) software toolset that incorporates mutual interactions between aerodynamics and structural response from aerothermal loading, ablation/pyrolysis, localized heating, and surface-to-surface radiation. A planned experimental campaign at the High-Enthalpy Aerothermal Test (HEAT) arc-heated facilities at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) will provide data to validate the toolset such that it may be used confidently for high-fidelity, fully coupled aerothermoelastic ablation simulations of reentry-relevant flight conditions, which to date have been unattainable. In the proposed Option activity, a supplemental experimental campaign is planned to be conducted at the NASA Ames Arc Jet Complex to achieve additional environmental conditions for expanding the range of applicability of the toolset. By also incorporating mesoscale material models into the multiphysics framework, the effort will produce an FSMI toolset that includes thermal, chemical, aero, and mechanical coupling, with the ability to simulate high-temperature material failure in extreme environments.