Dynamic studies of a typical payload fairing for different boat tail configurations

Abstract

Payload fairing structure of any launch vehicle protects the payload from the adverse aerodynamic environments besides providing the forward surface. This structure is separated from the core vehicle as soon as the purpose is served. The elastic response of this structure due to the separation force is very important to be considered along with rigid body movements. The boat tail structural element configuration is decided based on the dimensions of the core vehicle and the mission requirements. The displacement response due to separation force of the payload fairing for different boat tail angles is an important input data required to finalise the boat tail angle and the payload fairing configuration in total. Finite element method is employed using three noded triangular plate and shell element and 3D beam element in conjunction with a mode superposition technique to carry out this study for a typical payload fairing. The contribution of the elastic response on the radial gap between the payload envelope and the separated fairing is also reported including a payload fairing configuration without boat tail structure.