Three-dimensional Delta/Thor launch vehicle analysis including main engine plume

An explicit three-dimensional, finite-volume Navier-Stokes solver with finite-rate hydrocarbon/air combustion kinetics has been developed and calibrated to accurately and efficiently compute flowfields about expendable launch vehicle configurations. The Navier-Stokes formulation directly couples the global fluid dynamics, species continuity, and turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation equations, resulting in increased robustness and accuracy. Results from code calibration test cases are presented for a generic launch vehicle forebody and a complete launch vehicle with main engine power on. Comparisons of computed solutions with experimental data are made for both test cases.