CFD Analysis of Ejection Seat Escape Systems

Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques are used to study the full aerodynamic behavior of a typical ejection seat and occupant. A three-dimensional advanced Navier-Stokes code with a turbulence model has been adapted to study the flow field details in the immediate surroundings of high speed ejection seats. The CFD code has been validated and demonstrated against available wind tunnel test data. Comparison of force and moment coefficients has shown good agreement between experimental and predicted results. Consequently, the model has been used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of various Navy ejection seat design concepts at different seat yaw orientation.