T-splines mesh generation for complex geometries: Spacecraft parachute aerodynamics

Abstract We present, as a 3D application of recently introduced Complex-Geometry T-Splines Mesh Generation (CGTSMG) method, Space–Time Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA) of spacecraft parachute aerodynamics. The computation is for the final design of the Orion spacecraft landing parachute. The parachute canopy has hundreds of gaps and slits, which are modeled, and a wider gap and 16 “windows,” which are resolved. We first generate, manually next to the canopy surfaces and with the Complex-Geometry IGA Mesh Generation elsewhere, a quadratic B-splines mesh made of 670 patches. We then convert that, with the CGTSMG, to a T-splines mesh with $$C^{1}$$ continuity across what used to be the patch boundaries, except around the extraordinary points. After that, we improve the quality by mesh relaxation with the Fiber-Reinforced Hyperelasticity Mesh Update Method. The computation is performed with the ST-IGA and ST Variational Multiscale method. The success of the mesh generation and flow computation process demonstrates the level of sophistication the ST-IGA has reached in complex-geometry flow analysis.