Booster separation studies on 1:40 scale PSLV-XL model - time march tests

Wind tunnel tests were carried out on 1:40 scale PSLV_XL configuration to determine the separation trajectories of four ground-lit strap-on boosters. Aerodynamic forces and moments were measured on the four boosters simultaneously in the presence of core vehicle. The tests were conducted in the NAL 1.2m wind tunnel using a special test rig in the incidence range of -8 degree to 8 degree at M=3.2 for wind plane angles of 0 degree, -50 degree and -90 degree. Few grid tests were also carried out for two air-lit strap-on boosters at M=3.2. The Reynolds number based on core body diameter was 2.3 million. It seems that separation trajectories of all the four strap-on boosters occur without any collision with the core vehicle