Boundary Layer Transition Experiment II (BOLT II)
Abstract
The objective of the BOLT (Boundary Layer Transition) project is to experimentally investigate thehypersonic boundary layer transition mechanisms from laminar to turbulent flow on a low-curvature concave surface with a swept leading edge. This shall be achieved during a captive-carry flight experiment on a sounding rocket at speeds between Mach 5 to 7. The BOLT project is coordinated by AFRL/AFOSR and will be carried out in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ) The German Aerospace Center with its Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) will customize the S31-Improved Orion Launch Vehicle System, coordinate Andøya Space Center in Norway as the test range and manage the launch mission. The BOLT payload stack, consisting of the Payload Systems and the Flight Geometry, is provided by AFOSR Performers. The BOLT mission goals require to conduct research to further develop the Launch Vehicle System. In practice, MORABA will investigate how the trajectory can be shaped to reach the desired low elevation angles at the start of the scientific experiment window. A suppressed trajectory increases the aerothermodynamic loads significantly and mission-specific Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) need to be developed and state-of-the-art heat protection materials have to be determined and tested. Advanced simulations require the support of the DoD high performance computing resources to validate the proposed solutions. The BOLT project is in line with MORABA’s hypersonic research strategies. MORABA has gained expertise through various hypersonic programs in the past, such as DLR’s Sharp Edge Flight Experimentation (SHEFEX, 2005-2012), the DST Group/AFRL Hypersonics International Flight Research Experimentation Program (HIFiRE, 2009-2017) and DLR’s Rocket Technology Experiment-Transition (ROTEX-T, 2015-2016). All missions have used different, mission-tailored Launch Vehicle Systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 28, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810402
Entities
People
- Rainer Kirchhartz
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- German Aerospace Center
- United States Air Force