Beagle 2 Mars Lander Flight Dynamics Investigation via Experiment and Simulation

In this paper we outline the experimental and simulated flight dynamics of a Beagle 2 Mars lander test model. Experimental observations were made at Mach 2 flow conditions in the USQ wind tunnel facility using a schlieren system with a video rate of 210 frames per second. By processing the video, we were able to extract the pitch angle of the model as a function of time. We are able to clearly show a growth in the pitch oscillations of the 20 mm diameter model prior to any break-down in the experimental flow. The observed behaviour of the Beagle 2 lander test vehicle has been simulated using a model developed in MATLAB/Simulink. We report on the design of the model and the agreement achieved with respect to the experimental observations. The simulation model has been developed to verify the observed dynamic behaviour and to facilitate the design of the next set of experiments in the USQ facility.