Contribution of a rigid body dynamic model to plume impingement analysis for the space station Freedom

Two types of dynamic models will be used in plume analysis for the space station Freedom: finite-element and large-displacement rigid body. The rigid-body model will be used for two purposes: (1) to assist in predicting likely plume loads, and (2) to test the hypothesis that incremental dynamic feathering during approach can bring extra plume load relief over the current baseline option. The plume impingement aspect of the rigid model and the use of the rigid model in simulation and in partnership with structural dynamic analysis are discussed