Aerodynamics

Department:

Aerodynamics department logo

The Aerodynamics department of SRT (Sapienza Rocket Team) aim to study and analyze the air flow around the rocket-model. The goal of these studies is to predict the position of Center of Pressure (CoP), as well as all aerodynamics force coefficients, body force coefficients and and the overall pressure distribution around the rocket.

The Center of Pressure is the point where the aerodynamic forces acting on a body are concentrated. Understanding where this point is located and how it shifts along the rocket allows for the evaluation of moments, which is essential for assessing static stability.

Aerodynamic coefficients, such as the Drag Coefficient (CD) and Lift Coefficient (CL), are important for estimating a rocket's behavior. For example, evaluating the drag coefficient (CD) is crucial for predicting the apogee reached by the rocket, especially when the body does not have an Angle of Attack (AoA).

In summary, all of these studies are essential for predicting the behavior of the rocket model during its flight. They also help evaluate the appropriate materials and structure to use. Both of these studies are conducted by the Mission Analysis and Structures departments.

CFD Simulation with OpenFOAM:

This section provides a practical approach to CFD. The following pages will guide you through setting up a simulation step-by-step for different cases, all conducted in OpenFOAM, an open-source software written in C++.

Before getting started, you can install OpenFOAM here, which is designed for Linux environment, such as Ubuntu or Debian. If you are working on Windows, OpenFOAM is also available through the WSL Virtual Machine(Windows Subsystem for Linux).

OpenFOAM

• Linux Installing
• Getting Started
• Run in Batch

Meshing

• ANSA
• cfMesh
• Salome

Steady-State Simulations :

• Compressible:
  • Subsonic
  • Sonic
  • Supersonic
• Uncompressible:
  • Subsonic