Numerical Investigation of Aerodynamic Characteristics for Multi-Fin Rockets/Missiles

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation is used in the investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of multi-fin rockets/missiles. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are used as the control equations. Flow fields of rockets/missiles with four, six and eight straight or wrap around fins are simulated with the CFD numerical method. Computational aerodynamic characteristics are found to be in good agreement with wind tunnel test results, thus it can be taken as a foundation in multi-fin rockets/missiles aerodynamic design and in the choice of fin numbers.