Dynamic Simulations of Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator Concepts

Viscous, free-oscillation simulations with the Over ow solver predict the dynamic response of in atable aerodynamic decelerator concepts in the supersonic speed regime. ese in atable decelerators are treated as rigid bodies. A stacked-toroid (70◦ sphere-cone) and tension-cone con guration are contrasted using conditions typical of free-air ballistic-range testing to develop increments in pitch damping coefficient appropriate for trade studies. Similar increments are computed for the stacked-toroid con guration to account for changes in atmosphere between free-air testing on Earth, and a ight vehicle onMars. e computed increments in pitch damping coefficient for atmospheric changes do not show consistent trends.