Uncertainty Quantification of Planetary Entry Technologies

Abstract

The analysis, design, and development of planetary entry technologies rely heavily on computational modeling due to limited ground and flight test data, which simulate the extreme environments encountered by spacecraft during atmospheric entry. In general, these computational models possess uncertainties that may affect the prediction accuracy of the simulations. This makes uncertainty quantification a necessary tool for assessing the accuracy of model predictions and improving the robustness and reliability of entry systems. The objectives of this paper are twofold: to review uncertainty quantification studies applied to the modeling and simulation of planetary entry systems and to demonstrate an efficient uncertainty quantification approach based on stochastic expansions on the multidisciplinary analysis of a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator configuration for Mars entry. The review of uncertainty quantification studies focuses on flight mechanics, guidance and navigation simulations, aerothermal modeling and prediction, fluid-structure interaction simulations, and thermal protection system response modeling of planetary entry technologies.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Research Center/Lab(s)

Center for High Performance Computing Research

Keywords and Phrases

Fluid-structure interaction; Hypersonic flow; Planetary entry; Sensitivity analysis; Thermal protection system; Uncertainty quantification

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0376-0421

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Nov 2019

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