Influence of non equilibrium reactions on the optimization of aerothrust aeroassisted maneuver with orbital change
Abstract The spaceplane is perspective vehicle due to wide maneuverability in comparison with a space capsule. Its maneuverability is expressed by the larger flight range and also by a possibility to rotate orbital inclination in the atmosphere by the aerodynamic and thrust forces. Orbital plane atmospheric rotation maneuvers can significantly reduce fuel costs compared to rocket dynamic non coplanar maneuver. However, this maneuver occurs at Mach numbers about 25, and such velocities lead to non equilibrium chemical reactions in the shock wave. Such reactions change a physicochemical air property, and it affects aerodynamic coefficients. This paper investigates the influence of non equilibrium reactions on the aerothrust aeroassisted maneuver with orbital change. The approach is to solve an optimization problem using the differential evolution algorithm with a temperature limitation. The spaceplane aerodynamic coefficients are determined by the numerical solution of the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations. The aerodynamic calculations are conducted for the cases of perfect and non equilibrium gases. A comparison of optimal trajectories, control laws, and fuel costs is made between models of perfect and non equilibrium gases. The effect of a chemically reacting gas on the finite parameters is also evaluated using control laws obtained for a perfect gas.