8. Virtual Tests of Cassette Reentry Vehicle Dash Elements Attachment System during Ground Operation

Annotation: This paper describes the effective approach for the technology of the rocket airframe development testing, based on the method of numerical modelling, which enables the virtual experimental runs prior to the beginning of the development testing to check the performance of the standard airframes and predict issues of concern. The method is realized based on the computer models developed in the ANSYS Workbench environment. Based on the offered method the complex mechanical system, which attaches the cluster projectiles in the conditions of the temperature exposure and heat cycling, underwent the virtual tests. Computational models, criteria and test procedures necessary for the analysis of the mechanical condition and prediction of the performance of the actual airframe of the warhead were developed. Moreover, computational models consider all the design and technological features of the airframe: layout of the projectiles attachments, initial stress-strain state of the system after the tightening of the threaded connections, friction between the components of the system and their mutual displacement, temperature dependence of the physical and mechanical characteristics and ultimate stress of materials. For the specified loading conditions during the ground operations with the warhead, the most dangerous computational cases are determined which have been implemented during the virtual tests. Test results were used to conduct the static analysis of the mechanical condition, strength and conditions for performance of the actual structure of the attachment under the impact of the operating levels of temperature exposure and heat cycling. Results of the virtual tests confirm the performance of the projectiles attachment system and are introduced into production in the phase of engineering development.