Analytical solutions for reentry of the spatial vehicles in atmosphere

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Abstract

In the dynamics of spatial vehicles reentry into the earth atmosphere, an important factor is the existence of aerodynamic forces. The mathematical model adopted regarding optimal atmosphere re-entry considers the lift - drag ratio as being constant. Actually, the aerodynamic coefficients vary with the flight velocity and altitude, a hypothesis used in this study. Thus, the system that represents the motion equations of atmosphere re-entry changes into an equivalent system with small parameters. The analytical solution of this system is expressed through the variable defined by atmospheric density.

Published

02/25/2010

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Articles