Aerodynamic Study Of Composite Ti-MMC Functionally Graded Grid Fins

Reusable Rockets Employ Grid Fins For Descent Control, But Conventional Materials Fail Under Combined Aerodynamic, Structural, And Thermal Loads. This Study Evaluates Aluminium 7075-T6, Titanium Ti-6Al-4V, And Titanium Metal Matrix Composite Functionally Graded Materials (Ti-MMC FGMs) Across Mach 0.8, 1.2, And 2.0 Using A Multi-physics ANSYS Framework. Results Show Ti-MMC FGMs Provide Up To 22% Higher Drag, 35% Lower Stresses, And 30% Reduced Deformation Compared To Titanium, While Sustaining Thermal Stability Beyond 2000 K. These Findings Establish Ti-MMC FGMs As Superior Candidates For Reusable Grid Fins In Next-generation Aerospace Systems