Asymmetric nosetip shape change during atmospheric entry

Abstract

A method is presented to assess the probability of asymmetric nose-tip shape change during atmospheric entry. The method uses the variability of nose-tip material surface roughness to determine random, circumferentially nonuniform boundary-layer transition front behavior. Nose-tip shape histories are characterized by several key parameters and are suitable for inclusion in a Monte Carlo analysis of vehicle trim angle-of-attack history. The effects of surface roughness characteristics, re-entry trajectory, and vehicle configuration on expected shape development are examined.