3
$\begingroup$

I've been learning Python as a hobby the last two years. I like spaceflight too. Therefore I wrote this code to simulate the reentry of a Soyuz. I'd appreciate some feedback: https://github.com/fra-mar/soyuz_reentry But what I couldn't find was reliable data about the Soyuz's drag coefficient or the lift to drag ratio. For the Cd I found values ranging from 0.188 to 1.26 and for the L/D 0.38 to 0.5.

$\endgroup$
2

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

The best estimate I have found online is from a China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics paper using CFD. The paper is available on ScienceDirect (free I think?), the $C_D$ & $L/D$ are about 1.3 and 0.25, respectively, at a trimmed angle of attack (Mach = 5).

It should be noted that the focus on the paper is not on obtaining accurate aerodynamic coefficients, but rather looking at their change w.r.t. surface recession (ablation).

Full Reference:

Xu Guowu, Zhou Weijiang, Chen Bingyan, Zhan Huiling, Yang Yunjun, Effect of Recession on the Re-entry Capsule Aerodynamic Characteristic, Procedia Engineering, Volume 99, 2015, Pages 377-383, ISSN 1877-7058, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.550.

$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Hi! Yes, it's free. Thank you so much for your answer. $\endgroup$ Jan 2, 2022 at 6:53

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.