Three-Dimensional Two-Phase Flow Simulations of Water Braking Phenomena for High-Speed Test Track Sled

Specializing in high-speed testing, Holloman High-Speed Test Track (HHSTT) uses a process called ‘water braking’ as a method to bring vehicles at the test track to a stop. This method takes advantage of the higher density of water, compared to air, to increase braking capability through momentum exchange. By studying water braking using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), forces acting on track vehicles can be approximated and prepared for prior to actual test. In this study, focus will be made on the brake component of the track sled that is responsible for interacting with the water for braking. By discretizing a volume space around our brake, we accelerate water and air to relatively simulate the brake engaging. The model is a multi-phase flow that uses the governing equations of gas and liquid phases with the finite volume method, to perform 3D simulations. By adjusting the inflow velocity of air and water, it is possible to simulate HHSTT sled tests at various operational speeds. In the development of the 3D predictive model, convergence issues associated with the numerical mesh, initial/boundary conditions, and compressibility of the fluids were encountered. Once resolved, the effect of inflow velocities of water and air on the braking of the sled are studied.