Parametric Study to Determine Best Model for Use in Studying RCS Shock Wave Interactions

In an effort to obtain a precision landing for Mars landers, it is important to use reaction control system (RCS) jets in order to control the trajectory of an entry vehicle traveling through atmospheric regions where aerodynamic control surfaces are ineffective. Experimental work involving RCS interactions is highly requisite in order to validate computational code and give greater physical understanding. In this paper, a parametric study conducted to assist in gaining data on the interactions of RCS is outlined. In this parametric study, two models of the Mars Science Lander (MSL) are placed in a wind tunnel at different Mach numbers at different angles of attack. The flow field around the model is illuminated using a Tesla coil. Pictures were taken of the different setups and are compared here to determine the robustness of the model design under the different conditions. The comparison is used to determine the model and set up for the experiments that will be used in conjunction with PLIIF in order to gain better physical and quantitative understanding of the RCS jet interactions. The pictures obtained show the interactions of the bow shock off the model with the barrel shock created in the free expansion jet