Comparison of Sub-Orbital Plane's Trajectories with Aerodynamic Results from a Panel Method and a CFD analysis

Abstract

The trajectory optimization for sub-orbital planes using aerodynamic coefficients obtained by panel method and CFD analysis are compared since flow around the vehicle is difficult to incorporate with the panel method. The resulting trajectory from the difference in aerodynamic coefficients is identified. From the result, it is evident that there are no significant difference in the time to reach the highest altitude and the maximum down range, but differences are found in the flight path of ascent and the center of gravity. Therefore, an effective solution for the sub-orbital plane can be obtained to an extent by using panel method when the critical design parameter is in the supersonic speed region.