Prediction and parametric study of dynamic loads in supersonic rocket sled using multibody dynamics

A rocket sled is a ground-based test facility used to evaluate impact, aerodynamic characteristics, and dynamic behavior in high-speed environments. During operation, significant dynamic loads can reduce sled stability, leading to lower test reliability. To address this, it is essential to design structures that minimize dynamic loads and reduce weight, thereby improving the sled’s ability to achieve the required velocity. In this study, dynamic loads on a supersonic rocket sled were predicted using the multibody dynamics software RecurDyn. A parametric study was conducted to investigate design parameters that reduce vertical and lateral dynamic loads, and the results were compared with predictions from the conventional Lambda method. Aerodynamic loads, including drag and lift, were obtained through computational fluid dynamics. The results confirmed that the proposed parameters significantly influence dynamic loads and that the RecurDyn-based approach is more suitable and efficient for achieving lightweight designs compared to the Lambda Method. These findings are expected to be incorporated into structural analysis, contributing to the optimal design of rocket sleds.