Influence of elastic deformation on the lateral aerodynamic characteristics of wrap-around-fin rotating rockets

The lateral aerodynamic characteristics of a rotating wraparound-fin rocket are extremely complex. When it has a high fineness ratio, it is prone to elastic deformation, which impacts the rocket's lateral aerodynamic characteristics, posing greater challenges to stable flight. This study focuses on a wraparound-fin rocket with a high fineness ratio and performed computational fluid dynamics simulations on the flow field of the deformation–rotation-coupled motion. The study examines how elastic deformation influences aerodynamic properties under various Mach numbers and angles of attack. Additionally, it delves into the implications of elastic deformation on the aerodynamic behavior of wraparound-fin rockets in coupled deformation–rotation motion and investigates the mechanisms responsible for generating side aerodynamic forces and moments. The research findings indicate that the side force of wraparound-fin rockets increases and then decreases with the magnitude of deformation; additional sideslip angle induced by deformation and flow compression and expansion are the main causes of the nonlinear changes in side aerodynamic characteristics. These efforts will provide data support for the stability analysis of rockets under deformation conditions and serve as a reference for the design of wraparound-fin rockets.