The influence of roll angles on unsteady aerodynamics in a canard-configured missile

Abstract

During the initial stage of vertical launch, a missile may exhibit an uncertain roll angle (φ) and a high angle of attack (α). This study focuses on examining the impact of roll angle variations on the flow field and the unsteady aerodynamics of a canard-configured missile at α = 75°. Simulations were performed using the validated k-ω SST turbulence model. The analysis encompasses the temporal development of vortices, the oscillatory characteristics of the lateral force, and the fluctuation of kinetic energy distribution within the framework of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The results indicate that the flow field surrounding the canard-configured missile is characterized by inconsistent shedding cycles of Kármán-like and canard-separated vortices. A distinct transition zone is identified between these vortices, where vortex tearing and reconnection phenomena occur. With increasing roll angles from 0° to 45°, there is an observed shift in the dominant frequency of the lateral force from the higher frequency associated with Kármán-like vortex shedding to the lower frequency of canard vortex shedding. The shedding frequency of Kármán-like vortices corresponds to the harmonics of the canard vortex shedding frequency, indicative of a higher-order harmonic resonance. The frequency of the lateral force is observed to decrease with an increase in roll angle, except in configurations lacking distinct canard-separated vortices, which are characterized by a “+” shape. The POD analysis reveals that the majority of the fluctuation energy is concentrated in the oscillations and shedding of the canard-separated vortices, leading to pressure fluctuations that are primarily observed on the canard and the downstream region of the canard.