Analysis of Aero-Optical and Aerodynamic Effects on Optical Systems of Hypersonic Vehicles Using Numerical Simulation

Ghasemi, Seyed Vahid; Esmaeili, Ali

doi:10.22034/joae.2025.494156.1259

Analysis of Aero-Optical and Aerodynamic Effects on Optical Systems of Hypersonic Vehicles Using Numerical Simulation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Seyed Vahid Ghasemi ¹

Ali Esmaeili ²

¹ Master of Science in Aerospace, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran

10.22034/joae.2025.494156.1259

Abstract

The study of hypersonic aerial systems and optical seekers is of significant importance in the fields of aeronautics and aerospace engineering due to the challenges arising from complex flow phenomena and their applications. This research investigates the aero-optical and aerodynamic effects on optical seekers under hypersonic flight conditions. Numerical simulations are employed to analyze airflow and density variations around the flying body at various speeds and altitudes. The impacts of parameters such as Mach number, Reynolds number, and flight altitude on optical errors and beam deviations are also examined. The results reveal that increasing Reynolds and Mach numbers intensifies aerodynamic heating and density field fluctuations, thereby degrading the image quality of optical seekers. Conversely, at higher altitudes, reduced air density decreases optical errors and enhances optical performance. Furthermore, identifying critical points in altitude and flow conditions plays a pivotal role in designing more reliable systems. These findings contribute to improving the accuracy and reliability of aero-optical systems in hypersonic flight applications.

Keywords

Aero-Optical

Hypersonic Flow

Aerodynamic Heating

Optical Errors

Subjects