Plume-Surface Interactions for the Moon and Mars

Our senior design project is focused on creating an experimental model mimicking the fluid interactions between a rocket and an uncontrolled platform during powered descent. In addition to providing greater insight to the nature of these fluid interactions, also known as plume-surface interactions (PSI), we are looking to harvest numerical data to validate future and existing computational models. By validating these models, we can better predict the fluid motions present in the landing environment and minimize potential hazards (dirt/rocks/debris) resulting from the rocket's hot exhaust during its landing.

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This website will serve as an overview of the project to showcase the progress made over the duration of the project as well as the project's eventual end results.