International Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 2009 (2009), Article ID 326102, 21 pages
doi:10.1155/2009/326102
Research Article

High-Fidelity Aerothermal Engineering Analysis for Planetary Probes Using DOTNET Framework and OLAP Cubes Database

Prabhakar Subrahmanyam

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Center of Excellence for Space Transportation & Exploration, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA

Received 15 January 2009; Accepted 15 April 2009

Academic Editor: Tom Shih

Copyright © 2009 Prabhakar Subrahmanyam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

This publication presents the architecture integration and implementation of various modules in Sparta framework. Sparta is a trajectory engine that is hooked to an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) database for Multi-dimensional analysis capability. OLAP is an Online Analytical Processing database that has a comprehensive list of atmospheric entry probes and their vehicle dimensions, trajectory data, aero-thermal data and material properties like Carbon, Silicon and Carbon-Phenolic based Ablators. An approach is presented for dynamic TPS design. OLAP has the capability to run in one simulation several different trajectory conditions and the output is stored back into the database and can be queried for appropriate trajectory type. An OLAP simulation can be setup by spawning individual threads to run for three types of trajectory: Nominal, Undershoot and Overshoot trajectory. Sparta graphical user interface provides capabilities to choose from a list of flight vehicles or enter trajectory and geometry information of a vehicle in design. DOTNET framework acts as a middleware layer between the trajectory engine and the user interface and also between the web user interface and the OLAP database. Trajectory output can be obtained in TecPlot format, Excel output or in a KML (Keyhole Markup Language) format. Framework employs an API (application programming interface) to convert trajectory data into a formatted KML file that is used by Google Earth for simulating Earth-entry fly-by visualizations.