Primary Responsibilities
Aerodynamic and Aerothermal Analysis
- Assess aerodynamic and aerothermal performance across the entire flight envelope (transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic regimes).
- Perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of launch vehicles and subsystems, and validate results through wind tunnel testing and flight test data.
- Investigate flow separation phenomena, shock waves, and shock-boundary layer interactions.
- Analyze the impact of external protuberances and contribute to vehicle geometry optimization.
- Develop and maintain the launch vehicle aerodynamic and aerothermal databases.
- Support the design of the vehicle venting system, including the sizing and positioning of depressurization vents.
- Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of technical documentation and analysis reports.
Propulsion Systems
- Simulate internal flows within rocket engines.
- Study combustion, injection, and mixing phenomena according to program requirements.
- Analyze interactions between propulsion exhaust plumes and external flow fields.
- Evaluate thermal and mechanical loads applied to vehicle structures.
Development and Validation
- Develop and improve CFD methodologies and simulation processes.
- Implement automated calculation, workflow, and post-processing procedures.
Program Support
- Provide technical recommendations to design and engineering teams.
- Present technical findings and analysis results to engineering leadership and customers.
- Participate in design reviews and risk assessments.