CoNF$$^{2}$$aS$$^{2}$$-coupled numerical fluid flight mechanics and structure simulation: fidelity approaches and validation and application examples

Abstract The coupled numerical fluid flight mechanics and structure simulation (CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}$$ 2 ) tool is a DLR-developed coupling environment specifically designed for spacecraft applications. As the name already implies, the focus of CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}$$ 2 lies in the interactions between fluid, thermal, structural, and flight mechanics for aerodynamic and aerothermal load calculations. Like any numerical tool, the continuous upgrade of CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}$$ 2 through wind tunnel experiments and flight tests is an ongoing process with a permanent expansion of its application possibilities. The main goal of CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}$$ 2 is to achieve realistic simulations of space transportation vehicles in their entire flight range. This paper presents validation examples as well as an overview of the current development status of CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}.$$ 2 . Some of the possible fidelity levels of CoNF $$^{2}$$ 2 aS $$^{2}$$ 2 are introduced and accompanied by example applications.