Effect of C.G. and control surface area on supersonic separation of an air-launching rocket from the mother plane

An analysis was made about the flow characteristics and the rocket motion during supersonic separation of a air-launching rocket from the mother plane. The three-dimensional Euler equations were numerically solved to analyze the steady/unsteady flow fields around the rocket. The simulation results clearly demonstrated the effect of shock-expansion wave interaction between the rocket and its mother plane. A comprehensive analysis showed that the presence of properly designed fins can make the pitch-up motion be more stabilized, and design parameters such as fin size and location of the center of gravity of the rocket are essentially important factors for safe separation. Finally, a guideline about the supersonic air-launching rocket design for safe separation is proposed.