AN ASSESSMENT OF LIFT-DRAG MODULATION TECHNIQUES FOR ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY,

Abstract

The plane dynamics of lifting entry into a planetary atmosphere is studied in detail to arrive at generalizations of the behavior previously reported for nonlifting entry. Constant lift is first assumed and its effect on the variations of the instantaneous orbital elements established by numerical analysis of the exact equations of motion. Entry conditions necessary for instantaneous circularization and the attainment of inflective trajectories are determined as functions of entry angle and lift-drag ratio. A technique of constrained circularization is developed analytically which requires a simple coupled drag-lift modulation. Effective braking is achieved at low decelerations and considerable flexibility shown to exist in the choice of impact range. Characteristics of exit orbits and the multiple peak decelerations are given for multiple-pass impact with constant lift. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0686327

Entities

People

  • John D. C. Crisp

Organizations

  • New York University Tandon School of Engineering

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheres
  • Deceleration
  • Dynamics
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Mathematics
  • Modulation
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Orbital Elements
  • Planetary Atmospheres
  • Resilience
  • Trajectories

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris