Huygens-aerodynamic-investigation

Aerodynamic investigation of the Huygens probe

Huygens, part of the Cassini-Huygens mission, is an atmospheric probe that landed under parachute on the surface of Titan, one of the several natural satellites of Saturn,on January 14th, 2005. The bottom of the probe was equipped with a set of winglets to force it to spin during its descent. External devices accommodated on the rim of the probe also contributed to the spin torque. Although the probe was released from its carrier Cassini with the correct spin, the spin started to slow down and eventually reverse during the descent. This behavior is still not completely explained. Our work is part of a 2-year project (that started in November 2017) whose main aim is to investigate the possible causes of this unexpected spin. It is carried out by testing a mock-up of the probe equipped with its appendages in the Lucien Malavard wind-tunnel located at Polytech Orléans.

Simulation tool development for the final descent phase

31/01/2019

In order to understand the 2018 and 2019 wind tunnel test campaigns' results, a general study campaign has been ordered to the Huygens Aerodynamic Investigation project. The final goal is to try to understand the probe behavior during the final descent under the stabilizing drogue and to figure out what caused the rotational direction to reverse....

Wind Tunnel test campaign 2019

15/01/2019

Following last year aerodynamic study of the Huygens probe, a new wind tunnel tests campaign is planned from the 21st of January to the 8th of February. The preparation of the campaign is now well underway. Some improvements of the 1/3rd Huygens mock-up of the probe should provide more precise results.

Results and lessons from the first wind tunnel campaign

29/03/2018

During the two-weeks of the wind tunnel campaign, a large number of tests was carried out. They provide a unique set of results characterizing more than 15 configurations of the Huygens mock-up and its appendages.

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