Experimental and Numerical Analysis Over Power Series Nose Cone

Abstract

While designing aerospace vehicles, one of the most important factors to consider is drag. Drag force opposes the vehicle and causes it to slow down, which in turn requires more fuel to maintain flight. The vehicle nose cone plays a vital role in minimizing the drag during flight. The shape of the vehicle's body, as well as the fluid characteristics and orientation, can all have a significant impact on drag. To determine the most effective nose cone design, a study was conducted to test the aerodynamic performance of power series nose cone profiles using both experimental and computational techniques. All nose cone profiles with the same L/D ratio were assessed at 25 m/s speed with no angle of attack. The experimental data, including pressure, velocity, and drag, were then compared with computational data to ensure the accuracy of the wind tunnel experiments. The primary factor in determining the best shape for the subsonic flow range among all the nose cone profiles was the drag coefficient. The nose cone with a power of 0.25 was found to have the lowest drag coefficient at low subsonic speeds, making it the best-performing nose cone profile among those investigated. During take-off, drag is the most undesirable factor, as it can significantly impact the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to have the least amount of drag possible. In this case, the nose cone with a power of 0.25 can be used in the initial stages of the rocket to minimize drag and maximize fuel efficiency.