In order to assure the safe separation of a payload from an F-16 fighter aircraft, a 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) CFD simulation was conducted. In the case shown here the payload was released during flight at a Mach number of 0.7 and a 3.9 degrees angle of attack. The release sequence of the pod starts with a downward force exerted by an ejector. Immediately after the pod is released it rotates around a pivot point on its rear. Following this restricted motion the pod is allowed to drop freely.
This complex motion was modeled by EZAIR's advanced 6 DOF simulation module. Using limitations on time and grid displacement the release mechanism was reproduced accurately, with second order accuracy in time.
Relative motion between the various grid components is simulated via the overset grid method (Chimera).