A Theoretical Examination of a Re-Entry Capsule Incorporating an Autorotating Rotor
Abstract
A theoretical analysis was conducted to determine the aerodynamic and performance characteristics of a capsule incorporating an autorotating rotor for recovery from earth orbit. The potential advantages of this combination include the reduction of landing speeds to improve the chances of successful emergency landings on water, uneven terrain, of during inclement weather. This thesis sought to determine the range, deceleration, and heating effects during the entire re-entry. Rotor-to-capsule diameter and rotor deployment time were varied along with type of recovery, i.e., capsule lifting or nonlifting. The addition of a rotor was found to provide a significant increase in lateral range capability while changing maximum deceleration only slightly; however, excessive aerodynamic rotor heating requires either delayed deployment (reducing the performance gains) or substitution/development of structural materials having higher heat resistance than those studied. Keywords: Rotor re-entry vehicle; Lifting re-entry; Lifting rotor; Rotor aerodynamics; Aerodynamic heat transfer; Rotary wings; Drag.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176854
Entities
People
- Robert G. Struth Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School