Fluid-structure interaction between a composite aileron and a turbulent flow at transonic conditions

Abstract

This work reports some numerical and experimental investigations about the aerodynamic and aeroelastic behavior of a diamond aileron for a launcher dedicated to microsatellites. This work focuses mainly on the flow at transonic conditions with an emphasis on the buffet phenomenon. Indeed, the mechanical integrity of the launcher is largely compromised at transonic regime due to such shock/boundary layer interaction, that induces forces responsible for plunging and pitching moment that can damage the structure. An experimental campaign has been conducted, based on Schlieren visualizations. The experimental data are then compared with numerical predictions obtained with unsteady RANS and LES. The final objective is the analysis of buffeting impact on the composite material of the aileron.