NASA Releases Advanced Aerodynamics Software to U.S. Community
NASA has released its Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) computational fluid dynamics software to the U.S. aerospace community. The software, developed at NASA's Ames Research Center, is designed to predict airflow around rockets, aircraft, and spacecraft.
Software Capabilities
LAVA is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package that simulates how air moves around objects. It offers three mesh generation options, allowing users to switch between approaches or compare predictions. The software can run on graphics processing units (GPUs), enabling simulations to complete in hours rather than days or weeks, with reduced power consumption.
Traditional scale-resolving simulations, which capture phenomena like pressure waves and turbulent swirls, have historically required significant computational resources. LAVA aims to make such simulations more accessible by supporting multiple simulation methods and running on smaller systems.
Applications and Past Use
NASA engineers have used LAVA for several applications, including:
- Simulating the Artemis I launch, specifically the SLS rocket plume interaction with the launchpad and sound suppression system
- Predicting supersonic parachute deployment for Mars missions
- Analyzing ice formation effects on aircraft performance
- Simulating airflow on the SLS core stage for Artemis II
- Modeling vibration mitigation via strakes
Artemis Mission Applications
Researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center used LAVA with data from the 2022 Artemis I launch to simulate complex interactions between the rocket plume and the sound suppression system. Simulations indicated that while water in the sound suppression system effectively reduces pressure waves, exhaust gases from the rocket could redirect water, leading to significant pressure increases in certain launchpad areas.
These simulations enhanced understanding of the plume's interaction with the Artemis mobile launcher platform. Aerospace engineers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center used this knowledge to refine plume pressure designs and adapt the launch platform for Artemis II, the first crewed mission using the SLS and Orion spacecraft.
Availability
The software is available to U.S. researchers, companies, and innovators via the NASA software catalog.
Program Support
Development of LAVA is supported by NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technologies project, which is part of the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program. This project focuses on developing new computational capabilities to predict aerospace vehicle performance. NASA's aeronautics research expertise supports its space missions by leveraging tools such as wind tunnel testing and advanced software to improve safety and reliability.