Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid

Dynamics: A Systematic Review

Nayhel SHARMA*,1, Rakesh KUMAR1

*Corresponding author
*,1Aerospace Engineering Department, Punjab Engineering College
(Deemed to be University),
Sector 12, Chandigarh, 160012-India,
nayhel.sharma@gmail.com*, rakeshkumar@pec.ac.in
DOI: 10.13111/2066-8201.2019.11.1.12

Received: 23 October 2018/ Accepted: 14 December 2018/ Published: March 2019

Copyright © 2019. Published by INCAS. This is an “open access” article under the CC BY-NC-ND
license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: Grid Fins are unconventional control surfaces, consisting of cells in an outer frame.
Uniqueness of Grid Fins is that they are aligned parallel to the direction of air flow. The orientation of
these fins results in aerodynamic demerits such as choking of flow inside the cells and thereby
resulting in increased drag forces. Both experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
studies have been employed in negating these effects. This paper reviews the work done by various
authors to overcome the anomalies using CFD approach. This paper also discusses the measures to
overcome these anomalies. The paper presents an insight and step by step guidelines for CFD
simulations right from the pre-processing to the post-processing.
Key Words: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Grid Fins

1. INTRODUCERE
Grid Fins are an unconventional control surfaces, consisting of a frame with intersecting thin
walls. The interesting thing about these fins is, that they are aligned facing in the direction of
airflow. They have a small chord length as compared to the conventional planar fins, thus
experience lesser hinge moments. They display higher lift characteristics at higher angles of
attack. Because of small chords and smaller hinge moments, they utilize smaller actuators to
move them even at high speed flows. These fins are also used as deaccelerating control and
stabilizing surfaces in spacecrafts. These fins can be manufactured having both radius-to-
curvature frame of a flat frame. Thus, these fins envelop the missile body when in stored,
transport or unlaunched condition. These grid fins are utilized mainly in the medium air-to-
air cruise missiles, to name some AA-12 based Russian R-77 and US AMRAAM [1]. Few of
more practical applications in which grid fin control can be seen are listed in Table I. The
small chords also make them efficient at high angles of attack as compared to the planar fins.
Also, the inner web structure provides with excellent strength to weight ratios, making them
more apt for high speed travelling. At supersonic speeds they have much reduced drag values
as compared to the conventional planar fins, making grid fins a better control surface even
after experiencing forces equal to 12Gs and for long duration flight paths. Many Grid fin
configurations have been tested in the past using both experimental as well as CFD methods
for reduction of drag in the transonic regime. CFD is a reliable tool which is recommended
for studying various flow fields of the missiles having grid fins. The CFD pressure
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 Nayhel SHARMA, Rakesh KUMAR 152

measurements in the grid fin region as well as on the missile surface can be easily verified.
In addition to these measurements, CFD can be used as a tool for studying the tedious part of
flow visualization in-between the cells thus helping to avoid the choking of cells in the
transonic regime.[2] Montgomery et.al discuss the effects of the sub scaled models in the
experimental as well as CFD studies, also determining the critical Mach number for different
Mach numbers.[3] 30% of the longitudinal stability is provided by the vertical fins alone [4].
Experimental investigations carried out by Miller et.al to determine the effects of outer frame
cross-section, shape and web thickness, show significant effects of the fin geometry on fin
aerodynamics [5]. The results of wind tunnel tests comparing the grid fins to the
conventional planar fins, performed by Fournier [6] show the unfavorable aspects of the grid
fins. Theerthamalai & Nagarathinam state a method based on shock-expansion theory for
estimation of aerodynamic characteristics of the grid fins [7]. For the subsonic flows,
aerodynamic characterization has been done using vortex lattice network methodology,
which held good for angle of attacks up to 25° [8]. Reynier et.al state a flow prediction
theory for missiles having grid fins based on actuator disc concept, coupled with
unstructured Navier-Stokes equations [9,10]. A theoretical approach using vortex lattice
methods imbibing the up-wash terms and load predictions has been proposed by Burkhalter
et.al [11]. This theory predicts the aerodynamic coefficients and gives results in parallel with
the experimental data for the missiles having grid fins, for angles of attack up to 20°. The
reduction of drag by employing sweptback grid fins (with sharp leading edge) and their
comparison with the baseline grid fin, both experimentally and numerically (CFD) has been
done by Marco Debiasi et.al. [12–14]. Comparison between the blunt and the sharp leading
edges of swept-back grid fins and baseline fins has been performed by Yan Zeng [15]. The
CFD study done by Chen et. al [16] indicates degradation in grid fin performance using thick
fin panels. The free flight tests conducted by Abate et.al explain aerodynamics related to the
scaling of grid fin models in the transonic regime. The thinning of fin blades and the use of
lesser number of webs show a reduction in the drag values of the grid fins. Critical Mach
numbers have also been reported in the free flight testing of Grid fin baseline and sub scaled
models [17]. A locally swept back lattice fin was proposed consisting of “Peak” type and
“Valley” type locally swept Back fins. A considerable drag reduction is seen in those locally
swept-back fins from the experimental as well as CFD results, also an increase in lift values
is reported for these fin configurations [18]. The experimental and CFD study on the effect
of grid fins on missiles having canard wings have been performed both in the subsonic and
transonic flows [19]. A study by Misra shows the aerodynamics associated with the cascade
fins and their advantages at high angles of attack [2]. It is an interesting computational study
involving 2D and 3D grid fins in which a two-dimensional five plate approach towards grid
fins can be seen [20]. The overall data available for the grid fins consists of mainly static
aerodynamic coefficients and stability derivatives; however new researches have come up
with the dynamic aerodynamic coefficients as well. A liner subsonic analysis, transonic
analysis compared with the bucket effect and supersonic linear and non-linear analysis for
the development of an aerodynamic prediction code of grid fins is discussed in reference
[21]. This prediction code has been done for a missile dropped from an aero plane flying at a
velocity of 150.2 m/s at an altitude of 7001.40 m.
Table I: projectiles utilizing grid fins [2,22]
Grid fin Controlled Projectiles
Name/ Code Type
R-77 (AA-12) Russian medium range air-to-air missile
AMRAAM US missile

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SS-20 “saber”
SS-21 “scarab” Ballistic Missiles
SS-23 “spider”
MOAB Massive ordnance blast bomb
N1 lunar rocket
As brakes in Russian spacecrafts
Soyuz TM-22
Quick MEDS Material express Delivery systems for unmanned Aircraft systems
This paper discusses the basic aerodynamics of the grid fins, its drawbacks and the measures
taken up in the past by the researchers to overcome them. Focusing on the computational
Fluid Dynamics part this paper discusses the pre- analysis methods, describing behind the
scene mathematical approaches. Along with that, the wall modelling strategies, which are of
utmost importance in understanding the near wall behavior of the fluid flow, have been
discussed. Various geometries with their uniqueness have been mentioned as careful and
accurate modelling of the missiles result in better aerodynamic calculations and for
comparison and validation purpose. The next part discusses the handling of domain and the
mesh for the grid fin missiles, how the symmetry of the missile and the fin can be utilized as
an advantage by taking only the half, one fourth or in some cases even one-eighth of the
body for analysis. It also gives an insight to the cumbersome process of creating a uniform
mesh in between the grid fin cells. The physical setup and the boundary conditions are by
and large the same, the computational step is briefly defined covering all the used turbulent
models, their boundary conditions and the methods used for computing of these models. In
the end the validation and verification of the CFD process in which the convergence
parameters along with the range of the previously performed CFD analysis have been
approached. This paper will systematically guide the researcher in each step of the CFD
analysis on grid fins.

2. AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GRID FIN MODEL

The missiles using grid fins show greater aerodynamic control and long-range stability as
compared to the conventional planar fins. The assumed flow structure inside the grid fins is
compressible in the subsonic regime, chocked in the transonic and transition from shock
reflections to un-reflected shocks in increasing supersonic regime [22]. In general, the design
of the fins, the fin shape, fin thickness, leading edge sharpness etc., play a major role in the
aerodynamics of the grid fins. The choking may occur in a few cells; however, their
implications are tremendous. Having excessive drag as compared to the conventional fins,
these fins often find their positive use as a braking surface or control surface in bombs or low
range missiles. Using swept-back grid fins (frame) with sharp leading edges indicate a
reduction of drag up to 30% at zero angle of attack. The freestream velocity shows an
increase till Mach 1.1 after which it may show choking of the cells. At supersonic flows
there is less drag with the choking of cells almost negligible [13]. The normal shock is
swallowed and the shock passes through the cells without interfering with the grid fin
structure in the supersonic regime. Adding 20°sharp angle at the leading edge further reduces
the drag of the swept-back grid fins in the trans-sonic & the supersonic regimes [14]. The
drag reduction benefit can be utilized at non- zero angle of attack as well [15].
Experimentally, it has been shown that sweeping of complete fins in forward direction
increases the drag. In case of sweeping forward 10% more drag is observed [22]. The grid
fin cross-section frame shape and web thickness show a minimal effect on normal force
characteristics [6]. The CFD studies have revealed that in the transonic regime an expansion
and compression flow waves are formed which incubate a compression shock ahead of the

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grid fin structure. This phenomenon has been attributed to the choking of grid fin cells as the
Mach number increases (beyond the transonic regime), local oblique shocks are formed with
the absence of choking of flow inside the cells [16]. The flow characteristics of the Grid Fins
have often been given an analogy of flow through a nozzle. The sweptback fins act as a
source of increasing of effective nozzle length thus avoiding the choking of cells and
ultimately reduction of drag [23]. Mach 0.90 has been a focal point of research in the trans-
sonic regime showing maximum drag forces. Beyond Mach 2.8 in the supersonic regime, no
choking of cells has been reported. A reduction in static stability and reduced normal force
has been reported in the wind tunnel experiments ranging from 0.5M to 3.0M [24]. The use
of grid fins doesn’t improve much the flow characteristics of canard wings in the
transonic regime as compared to the supersonic regime [20]. The grid fins fail to provide
much advantage to the canard fins in the subsonic flow, especially at angle of attack greater
than 𝛼𝛼 = 4°, they show signs of adverse rolling moments and induce side forces [25]. The
Vortex lattice formulation are inviscid solutions, which have been employed by many in the
past; they are valid for linear angle of attack range only i.e. up to 𝛼𝛼 = 20° [2]. The use of
“optimized Busemann” fin profile in grid fins has been tested both
statically and dynamically, [26] show better results for reduction of drag in the supersonic
regime. The canard wings produce trailing vortices which result in adverse induced side
forces, the grid fins at the tail end can help in negating this effect and thereby improve the
roll effectiveness of canards, especially at low supersonic speeds [27]. It should be noted that
in some cases the force coefficient may converge ahead of the global convergence criterion.
The sharp leading-edge fins show a trend towards reduction of the fin axial force. The fins
having blunt edges, show uneven pressure differences aft of the fin structure, whereas the
fins having swept back sharp edges show uniform expansion and contracting flow
characteristics. At around Mach 1.70M, after crossing the trans-sonic regime, the fins having
blunt edges show a formation of shock much ahead of the leading fin edge, which is not
there in the case of swept back fins. This also indicates a smoother behavior of sweptback
sharp leading-edge fins in the supersonic regime. Figure 1 shows the flow approaching the
blunt and sweptback sharp leading-edge fins, respectively. Mach number contours passing
through the grid fins have been compared at different Mach numbers [13]. The “X” pattern
of the flow behind the fins indicates its expansion and the contraction; this causes difference
in the pressure values aft of the fin body and thus incubates shock structures [14]. The
aerodynamic drag coefficients are calculated by adding the viscous and the pressure forces in
the post processing [16]. The reference area for the same is taken as one eighth of the cross-
sectional area of the missile base, the reference length is taken as the missile diameter.

Figure 1: Flow approach towards the blunt and the Swept-Back sharp leading edges of the Grid Fins [13]

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 155 Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Systematic Review

3. PRE-ANALYSIS/ MATHEMATICAL MODELS CFD APPROACH

The maximum simulations have been done using the turbulence methods. Though inviscid
and laminar analysis on grid fins have also been done in the past, turbulence modelling
remains the most apt one. Turbulence modelling is an important component in simulating
high speed flows or high Reynolds number flows. There is no single turbulence model which
can have universal acceptance for solving the CFD problems. Turbulence is basically the
fluctuation of low frequency, high frequency or even a combination of both. These
fluctuations consist of mix transport quantities such as momentum and energy. Choosing a
turbulence model depends upon the model geometries and computational capabilities of the
processors. The time averaged Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) models
can be one equation Spalart-Allmaras model, the two equations Κ − 𝜀𝜀 family and the 𝜅𝜅 − 𝜔𝜔
family models, the Reynolds Stress Models and the Transition Models (i.e. the 𝜅𝜅 − 𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅 − 𝜔𝜔,
transition shear stress transport (SST) models). Three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations
with a turbulence model are preferred for the turbulent flow field. [13, 14] These are
expressed as follows:
∂ρ ∂
+
∂t ∂x j
ρu j = 0( ) (1)

∂ ∂ ∂p ∂τˆ ji
∂t
( )
ρu j +
∂x j
(
ρu j ui = − + )
∂t ∂x j
(2)

∂  
(ρE ) + ∂ ρu j H = ∂ ui τˆ ji + (µ + σ ∗ µT ) ∂k − q j 
( ) (3)
∂t ∂x j ∂x j  ∂x j 
Where t is the time, 𝒙𝒙𝒊𝒊 the position vector, 𝝆𝝆 the density, 𝒖𝒖𝒊𝒊 the velocity vector, p the
pressure, 𝝁𝝁 the dynamic viscosity. The total energy and enthalpy are 𝑬𝑬 = 𝑒𝑒 + 𝑘𝑘 + 𝑢𝑢𝑖𝑖𝑢𝑢𝑗𝑗⁄2 and
𝑯𝑯 = 𝑒𝑒 + 𝑝𝑝⁄𝜌𝜌 + 𝑘𝑘 + 𝑢𝑢𝑖𝑖𝑢𝑢𝑗𝑗⁄2, respectively, with 𝒆𝒆 = 𝑝𝑝⁄[(𝛾𝛾 − 1)𝜌𝜌]. The 𝜸𝜸 is the ratio of specific
heats at constant pressure and constant volume. Other quantities are defined in the equations
below:
µT = ρvt (4)

1  ∂u ∂u j 
S ij =  i + (5)
2  ∂x j ∂xi 

 1 ∂µ k  2
τij = 2µT  S ij − δ ij  − ρkδ ij (6)
 3 ∂x k  3
 1 ∂u k 
τˆ ij = 2µ S ij − δ ij  + τij
3 ∂xk 
(7)

 µ µ  ∂h
q j = − + T  (8)
 pT 
 L pTT  ∂x j
1
k = µ 'j µ i' (9)
2

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where 𝜹𝜹𝒊𝒊𝒊𝒊 indicates the Kronecker delta, and 𝝁𝝁’𝒊𝒊, is the fluctuation of the velocity component 𝒖𝒖𝒊𝒊. The
3D, time dependent RANS equations are solved using the finite volume method:
∂
∫
∂t v
WdV + ∫ [F - G ]⋅ dA = ∫ HdV v
(10)

where, W is the vector of conservative variables, and F and G are the inviscid and viscous flux
vectors, respectively, defined as
ρ  ρv   0 
 ρu   ρvu + pi   τ 
     xi 
 
W =  ρv , F =  ρvv + pj , G =  τ yi  (11)
ρw ρvw + pk   τ 
     zi

ρE  ρvE + pv  τij v j + q 
where, H is the vector of source terms, V is the cell volume, and A is the surface area of the
cell face [28]. In considering the grid fin cells as a nozzle, the area-Mach number relation in
quasi-one-dimensional nozzle and critical transonic Mach number, which cause sonic
conditions at the throat with formation of a normal shock the following equation is used [3].
2
 A  1
  =
 A*  2  γ + 1 2  (12)
M ∞2  1 + M ∞ 
 γ +1 2 
Also, in terms of vane spacing V and fin thickness t, the area ratio is defined as:
 A  (v + t )
2 2
  = (13)
 A* v2
where, A is the cell reference area for area-Mach number relation, 𝑨𝑨∗ throat area for sonic
flow from quasi one-dimensional flow theory, 𝑴𝑴∞ freestream Mach number, 𝜸𝜸 is the ratio
of specific heats. The near-wall treatment for the boundary layer profile prediction is done by
making the velocity and the wall distance dimensionless. The velocity is made
dimensionless, by dividing the velocity with shear velocity near the wall of the turbulent
Twall
flow 𝑼𝑼⁄𝑼𝑼𝝉𝝉 where U τ = . The wall distance is made dimensionless 𝒚𝒚+ =𝒚𝒚𝒚𝒚𝝉𝝉/𝝊𝝊 where y
ρ
is the distance from the wall and 𝝊𝝊 is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. A predictable
boundary profile is obtained using these dimensionless quantities. The wall modelling
strategies for the near wall treatment use the wall function approach in which a typical 𝑦𝑦+
value is such that 30 < 𝑦𝑦+ < 300 and where resolving of viscous sub layer is required 𝑦𝑦+ ≈ 1
is set with the mesh growth rate not greater than ≈1.2, which is related directly to the
inflation layers. Also,
ρ.U ∞ .L
Re L = (14)
µ
c f ρU ∞2
τ wall = (15)
2
0.026
c f = 1/ 7 (16)
Re x

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4. GEOMETRY
Various geometries have been used in the experimental and the CFD simulations. A 3D
length tangent ogive nose and 13D long cylindrical after body and another missile body with
3D length tangent ogive nose with 10D long missile afterbody are the most commonly used
missile dimensions. All the dimensions are considered with respect to missile diameter D.
The grid fin configurations mainly consist of a baseline model, whose leading edges may be
blunt. A typical swept back grid fin configuration having sweptback angle Λ = 30°, is widely
used. Grid fins having sharp leading edges, with leading edge angle 𝜉𝜉 = 20° have been tested
both experimentally as well as in CFD simulations. (Figure 2) Table II summarizes the
various geometric configurations of grid fins used for various aerodynamic measurements in
both experimentation and CFD simulations. A locally swept back fin is suggested with two
new “peak” type and “valley” type interaction as shown in Figure 2. and the intricacies of the
geometries discussed in reference [19]. A finite series of five plates approach, is considered
to analyze flow through the grid cells in 2D pattern [21]. Figure 4 shows the plate
configuration for 2D simulations.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 2: Images of different grid fin configurations(a) baseline Grid fins, (b) Swept-back Grid fins, (c) Swept-
Forward grid fins [14]

Figure 3: A locally sweptback grid fin model Figure 4: Plate configuration for 2D simulations [21]
configuration [19]

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Table II: Summary of the various grid fin missile geometries

Reference Study Dimensions according Geometry Features
to missile diameter D
(meters m)/ Calibre
3D Tangent ogive nose,
13D long cylindrical after body
Span s = 0.75D
Height h = 0.333D
Chord c = 0.118D
Case 1: (Baseline)
Vane spacing v = 0.1109D
Wall Thickness w = 0.007D
CFD
[3] & D=0.0254m Case 2: (Thin)
Experimental Vane spacing v = 0.1139D
Wall Thickness w = 0.004D
Case 3: (Coarse)
Vane spacing v = 0.2288D
Wall Thickness w = 0.007D
Case 4: (full scale model)
Vane spacing v = 0.1985D
Wall Thickness w = 0.0015D
For CFD for both Baseline and Sweptback Fins
3D Tangent ogive nose,
[4]
13D long cylindrical after body,
4 Grid fins in cruciform orientation,
[13] Pitch axis 1.5D from rear end
Rectangular shaped outer frame
[14] Span s = 0.75D Height h = 0.333D
Chord c = 0.118D
[15] Cell Space = 0.1109D
CFD Wall Thickness w = 0.007D
& D (CFD) = 0.0254m Frame swept back Λ = 30°
[16]
Experimental Sharp leading edge 𝜁𝜁 = 20°
[24] For experimental (Stainless steel body) for both
Baseline and Sweptback Fins
[29] 07D long cylindrical after body,
Pitch axis 1.5D
[30] Span s = 0.0857m
Height h = 0.0381m
Chord = 0.0135m
Wall thickness w = 0.0008m
Locally swept back fins

CFD Fin thickness = 0.5mm

[19] & - Span s = ∞
Experimental Chord c = 10mm
Edge sharpness = 10°
Local sweep angle 𝜑𝜑 = 55°& 70°
16 calibers
4 finned canards in line with grid fins
3.7 caliber truncated tangent nose
Canard located at 0.96 c caliber from the nose
CFD Pitch axis of the grid fins 1.5D from rear end
[20] & D= 0.03m 12.3 caliber long missile body
Experimental 23 cubic and 12 prismatic webs
Span s = 0.74 cal.
Chord c = 0.10cal.
Thickness t = 0.46cal.
Web thickness = 0.003cal.

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 159 Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Systematic Review

2D
5 plates
Length 0.05m
Thickness 0.001m
Spacing 0.05m
[21] CFD - Rounded leading edge with radius 0.0005m
3D
4 × 3 grids
Cell cube dimension 0.05m
Thickness t = 0.001m
16 caliber missile body
3D Tangent ogive nose,
13D long cylindrical after body,
4 Grid fins in cruciform orientation,
[28] CFD D=0.03m Pitch axis of the fins1.5D from rear end
Rectangular shaped outer frame
Span s = 0.75D
Height h = 0.333D
Chord c = 0.118D
10.4calbre missile
3D Tangent ogive nose,
7.4D long cylindrical after body,
Pitch axis of the fins 2D from rear end
[31] CFD D=0.127m Chord = 0.00975m
Web thickness = 0.00020m
Fin thickness = 0.00101m
Span s = 0.06654m
Height h = 0.05334m
10.4calbre missile
3D Tangent ogive nose,
7.4D long cylindrical after body,
[32] CFD D=0.0254m
Pitch axis of the fins 2D from rear end
Chord = 0.00975m
Web thickness = 0.00020m
Based on the above-mentioned geometries a basic Grid Fin Missile Geometry can be
selected for the CFD analysis. This geometry is shown in Figure 5 consisting of diameter
(D=0.0254m) and all the dimensions are in respect of this diameter. The total length of the
missile is taken as 16D consisting of tangent ogive nose of length 3D; the fins are attached at
a distance of 1.5D ahead of the rear end. The dimensions in Figure 5 are deliberately in mm
to indicate the exact dimensions. Similarly, the recommended intricacies of the Grid Fin
Geometry are shown in Figure 6.

Figure 5: Recommended dimensions of Grid Fin missiles for the CFD analysis (in mm)

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Figure 6: Recommended intricacies of the Grid Fin geometry (in mm)

5. COMPUTATIONAL DOMAIN & MESH VERIFICATION

Meshing of Grid fins, missile and its computational domain is one of the most challenging
steps while performing numerical simulations. For the 3D Navier-Stokes equations to be
solved, the meshing of the grid fins is a mammoth task, due to the complex geometry. Most
of the dense mesh is to be in the grid fin region. To simplify and save the computational time
many researchers have used an unstructured mesh inside the Grid cells as well as for the
whole computational domain. As the grid fin configuration is symmetrical, the simulations at
Zero angle of attack may require only a quarter of geometry for analysis and in some cases
even one eighth of geometry has been analyzed, this reducing drastically the computational
cost and time. Table III summarizes the computational domain and the mesh aspects of the
simulations. For the simulations at zero angle of attack, the domain of size as less as 13D or
less seems to be sufficient (as implied in many studies), however to have good results for
non-zero angle of attack a bigger domain size is suggested to ensure the accuracy of the
simulations. The use of both the structured and the unstructured meshes has their own pros
and cons, however for higher Reynolds numbers, a structured grid is suggested. For this
purpose, a structured hybrid grid is suggested which uses structured grid in most of the grid
fin domain. [33] (Figure 7-10) An arc-length mesh generation and finite volume has been
suggested, [34] (Figure 11). This scheme has been validated with experimental results at
Mach 2.5 for various angle of attacks, and shows promising results for future simulations.

Figure 7: Mesh Details of the Grid fin computational Figure 8: Mesh at the wake region [14]
domain [14]

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Figure 9: Tetrahedrons with triangle mesh at the Figure 10: An unstructured mesh is used inside the
edges on the faces of the fins [14] cell region, with a wedge-shaped mesh in the radial
region [14]

a)

(b)

Figure 11: A hybrid Mesh consisting of majority of structured mesh domain [29]

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Table III: Summary of the mesh details

The boundary
Mesh/ Domain
Reference Grid Domain / number of cells Layer 𝒀𝒀+ value and
Features
the Growth Factor
[3] ~33 Million cells 𝑌𝑌+ = 1 Unstructured Volume
Grid mesh
~ 6 million nodes Growth Factor/
normal spacing = Mix of tetrahedra/
3.18841 × 105𝐷𝐷 pentahedral elements
[4] 0.67 million cells for missile with no First point of the surface Unstructured mesh
fins kept at 0.002cal.
Tetrahedral and pyramid
1.2 million cells for missile with planar Mesh stretching was kept transition elements
fins below 1.2
Base flow not simulated
3.2 million cells for missile with grid 𝑌𝑌+ = 40-60 along the hence the mesh stopped at
fins missile body, 150 along the the end of the missile.
tangent ogive nose, and Computational domain
between 100-140 on the grid extended 4 calibers from
surfaces. the missile body.
[13] Upstream & Downstream at 12D of the - Due to model symmetry,
Missile Body,16D radially from missile only Quarter of Geometry
cylinder surface used at Zero angle of attack
1.2 Million cells Symmetry conditions for
symmetry surfaces
[14] Upstream & Downstream at 12D of the 𝑌𝑌+ = 0.001D Unstructured mesh inside
Missile Body,16D radially from missile the cells
cylinder surface Growth Factor = 1.2
Due to model symmetry,
1.2 Million cells At least 9 points distributed only Quarter of Geometry
between the boundary layer used at Zero angle of attack
118 volumes
Symmetry conditions for
symmetry surfaces
T type meshing
[15] Upstream & Downstream at 12D of the - Due to model symmetry,
Missile Body,16D radially from missile only Quarter of Geometry
cylinder surface used at Zero angle of attack
1.2 Million cells Symmetry conditions for
symmetry surfaces
[16] 1.2 million cells with 118 entities - Due to model symmetry,
(volumes) for the 1/8th domain only one eighth of
Geometry used at Zero
9.6 million cells for the entire flow
angle of attack
domain
symmetry surfaces
[20] Mesh extended 50cal. In the liner 𝑌𝑌+ = 1 Enhanced wall treatment
direction & 66cal in the radial direction First point of the surface Hexahedral and tetrahedral
17.3million cells kept at ~ 7.0 × 10−5 cal. elements
Mesh stretching was kept
below 1.25
11 cells in sublayer
[21] For 2D plates 1st layer 2.5× 10−6m For 2D grid plate
~0.26 million & ~0.34million cells Growth rate 1.1 representation Domain:
For 3D grid fins Number of layers in the Upstream 0.5c & 150c
~9million cells boundary = 34 for 2D mesh Downstream 5c & 150c
Normal direction 15c and
For 3D grid 150c
𝑌𝑌+ = 3.6
1st layer 2.5× 10−6m For 3D Domain:
Number of layers in the Upstream 1c

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 163 Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Systematic Review

boundary = 31 Downstream 5c
Normal direction & cross
flow 10c
Both mesh unstructured
[24] Upstream & Downstream at 12D of the 𝑌𝑌+ = 0.001D only one eighth of
Missile Body,16D radially from missile Geometry used at Zero
cylinder surface Growth Factor = 1.2 angle of attack
1 Million cells At least 9 points distributed T type meshing in the
between the boundary layer transitional sections from
fine to coarse meshes.
[28] Base flow not simulated hence the First point of the surface Unstructured mesh
domain ended with the missile. between 0.004 and 0.006
Mesh stretching below 1.25
caliber
3.9 Million cells
Hexahedral and tetrahedral
𝑌𝑌+ = between 17-45 for elements
Mach 2 & between 30-60
for Mach 3 ½ plane modelled using
symmetry
[29] Checking for grid independency at “Block off” grid
1.20million generation method
1.57million H-O-Type topologies are
2.00million adopted for the flow field
2.48million around the fin body shape.
Structured grid inside
the cells
[30] ~33 Million cells 𝑌𝑌+ = 0.37 for vanes and the Unstructured Volume Grid
cells of the grid fins mesh
~ 6 million nodes
𝑌𝑌+ = 0.1 to 0.4 for the Mix of tetrahedra/
missile body pentahedral elements
[31] 1.5 million cells First point of the surface T type grid
kept at 0.0016D
3D quarter model
Growth Factor = 1.2 computational domain
At least 5 rows of boundary
layer mesh
[32] ~ 3 million structured overall - Multi-block structured grid
~1.7 million in hybrid out of which H-O-Type topologies are
~1.5 million in structured and ~0.2 adopted for the flow field
million in unstructured around the fin body shape.
[33] - - Basic H-O type mesh
topologies adopted
[34] 3.2 million cells with 2.5 million cells First point of the surface Unstructured mesh
in the grid fin region kept at 0.002cal.
½ domain modelled
Mesh stretching was kept
below 1.2 Base flow not
simulated
𝑌𝑌+ = 40-60 along the
missile body, 150 along the
tangent ogive nose, and
between 100-140 on the grid
surfaces.
Many researchers have made use of an unstructured mesh, however due to improvement in
the meshing tools an approach towards structured mesh can be seen. In case of structured
meshes the use of H-O type of mesh topologies is observed. The symmetry of the grid fin is
taken as an advantage, by computing only half or one-fourth part of the fin (Applying
symmetry boundary condition). The domain taken only till the end of the missile body as the
area of interest remains the cells inside the grid fins, which are located ahead of the rear end
of the missile.

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6. INITIAL BOUNDARY & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

In most of the cases free stream conditions are applied to the inlet and the outlet of the
computational domains. Pressure far-field and non-slip wall condition to the missile body is
another common feature of the computational domain. For the 3D RANS model, one
equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulent model has been a popular choice for the researchers,
though in some cases the two equations Κ − 𝜀𝜀 and 𝜅𝜅 − 𝜔𝜔 turbulence model has also been
utilized. A finite volume density based implicit solver is coupled with the turbulence models.
A detailed summary of the boundary conditions and the computational domain properties has
been provided in Table IV.
Table IV: Summary of the Initial Boundary & Physical Conditions
Temperature
𝑼𝑼∞ Reynolds
Reference 𝑴𝑴∞ Pressure (Pa) (T) Conditions
(m/s) Number 𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑫𝑫
(K)
[3] 0.744M – - - - 4.40 – 7.0 𝑈𝑈 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 unstructured flow
2

1.190M × 105 solver

Finite Volume, inviscid solver
implicit scheme
2nd order discretization
One equation Spalart-Allmaras
turbulence model for higher
Reynold number.
[4] 2.5M 8325Pa 137K Free stream 1.26 × 106 Gauss-Seidel, Implicit, 3D
conditions compressible RANS solver
One equation Spalart-Allmaras
turbulence model
Freestream boundary
conditions
5
[13] 0.70M - 1.17× 10 -3.25× 269 – 190K 251 – 496 2.61 - 2.67 Pressure Far-field
1.70M 104 Pa × 106
Non- slip conditions on solid
surfaces
3D Navier-Stokes equation
Coupled with Spalart-Almaras
model
One-equation Turbulence
model
5
[14] 0.817M- 1.11× 10 - 3.57× 265-193K 267-473 2.50 – 1.96 × 3D Navier-Stokes equation
1.70M 104 Pa 106 Coupled with Spalart-Almaras
model
Second order, upwind
discretization scheme
Implicit density based solver
Pressure Far-field
Symmetry conditions at
symmetry surfaces
Non- slip conditions on solid
surfaces
Outlet boundary condition is
user defined
[16] 0.817M – 2 1atm 295K - 4.69 – 11.48 3D Navier-Stokes equation
M × 105 Coupled with Spalart-Almaras
model
Second order, upwind
discretization scheme
Governing Equations solved
using Finite Volume method
(FVM)
Implicit, density based solver

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 165 Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Systematic Review

Pressure Far-field for outer

radial boundary
Symmetry conditions for
symmetry surfaces
Non- slip conditions on solid
surfaces
[19] 2M to 6M - - - - Finite volume approach to
solve Navier-Stokes equations
using German developed
TAU-code
[20] 0.6M & 7.66 × 104Pa 284K & 255K Free stream 1.01 × 107 Relizable 𝛫𝛫 − 𝜀𝜀 model
0.9M & respectively conditions &
5.62 × 104Pa 1.40 × 107
[21] 1.1M to - - - 0.96 × 106 to Green-gauss theorem
3.0M 2.6452 × 106
Spalart-Allmaras model
Matrix free implicit for
convergence acceleration
[24] 0.817M – 2 1atm 295K - 4.69 – 11.48 3D Navier-Stokes equation
M × 105 Coupled with Spalart-Almaras
model
Second order, upwind
discretization scheme
Implicit, density based solver
Maximum reduction in the
residuals by at least 3 orders of
magnitude
Pressure Far-field for outer
radial boundary
Symmetry conditions for
symmetry surfaces
Non- slip conditions on solid
surfaces
4 5
[28] 2M & 3M 1.268× 10 Pa & 166K & 107K - 3.84× 10 Freestream inlet conditions
2.77× 103Pa & 2.34× 105
Pressure far-field and outlet
conditions
Non- slip boundary wall
conditions on solid surfaces
One equation Spalart-Allmaras
turbulence model for higher
Reynold number.
[29] 0.7M & - - - 5 × 106 One equation Baldwin-Barth
2.5M model
[30] 0.744M – - - - 7.0 – 26.5 CHEM code Navier-Stokes
2.8M × 106 solver
MUSCL (flux vector splitting
method) scheme for higher
order spatial extrapolations
𝜅𝜅 − 𝜔𝜔 model with first order
discretization
[31] 0.817M – 1atm 295K - 4.69 – 11.48 One equation Spalart-Allmaras
2M Free stream Free × 105 model
conditions stream
conditions Second order, upwind
discretization scheme
Implicit, density based solver
[32] 0.7M & Free stream Free stream Free stream 5 × 106 MUSCL scheme for higher
2.5M conditions conditions conditions order spatial extrapolations
[33] 0.7M & Free stream Free stream Free stream 5 × 106 Finite volume algorithm solved
2.5M conditions conditions conditions with LU-SGS
[34] 2.5M - - Free stream 1.26 × 106 Coupled implicit compressible
conditions 3D RANS solver using Finite
volume method
The physical set up majorly uses freestream conditions, with velocity inlet, pressure far field
and outlet conditions. For the 3D RANS equation, the one equation Spalart-Allmaras

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turbulent model has been extensively used with 2nd order or upwind discretization. Most
researches have been done from Mach numbers 0.7M up to 3.0M. An Implicit Density based
solver is preferred over the pressure based solver. Due to recent advancements in the
computational world, researchers are now also choosing two equations 𝛫𝛫 − 𝜀𝜀 & 𝜅𝜅 – 𝜔𝜔
turbulent models utilizing third order of discretization for better and accurate results.

7. PRESENTATION OF THE NUMERICAL RESULTS & VERIFICATION &

VALIDATION OF THE CFD METHOD
The convergence history of the overall calculation of any aerodynamic coefficient, at a Mach
number should be checked to show the oscillations and therefore the stabilization of the
simulation to confirm convergence.
The forces as well as the force coefficients are generally shown to be a function of Mach
number and in some cases, angle of attack.
The results should be continuously tracked for convergence. Experimental measurements
and CFD simulations are widely available for various Mach numbers and for various forces
and moments. These are summarized in Table V below:
Table V: Results Reference for Verification and Validation
Reference Measurements Mach number Angle of attack range Obtained Results/
range Aerodynamic coefficients
[13] Experimental & CFD 0.75M – 1.70M 0° to 12° Fin Axial Force coefficients,
Mach number contours, Normal
force coefficients, Pitching
moment coefficients
[14] Experimental & CFD 0.817M – 1.70M 0° Fin Drag Coefficients,
Mach number contours
[15] Experimental 0.75M – 1.70M 0° to 12° Fin Drag Coefficients, Overall
vehicle axial drag coefficient,
Normal force coefficients,
Pitching moment coefficients
[16] CFD 0.905M – 2.0M 0° Aerodynamic axial force Mach
number contours Pressure
coefficient contours
[24] CFD 0.8M-2.0M 0° Aerodynamic axial force
[17] CFD 1.5M & 2.0M 0° to 10° Fin Axial Force coefficients,
Mach number contours, Normal
force coefficients, Pitching
moment coefficients
[3] Experimental & CFD 0.744M – 1.190M 0° Fin Axial Force coefficients,
Mach number contours, Pitching
moment coefficients
[28] CFD 2M & 3M 0°, 5°, 10° Axial Force coefficients, Normal
force coefficients, Pitching
moment coefficients
1200 iterations for convergence
[29] CFD 0.7M & 2.5M 5°, 10°, 15° &20° Axial Force coefficients, Normal
force coefficients, Bending
moments Hinge moments
Pressure coefficient contours
5000-6000 iterations for
convergence
[30] Experimental & CFD 0.744M – 2.8M 0° 3000 iterations for convergence
for CFD
0.39M – 1.6M
for Experimental

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 167 Missile Grid Fins Analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Systematic Review

[31]CFD CFD 0.817-2.0M 0° Maximum residuals reduced to 3rd

order of magnitude
Axial Force coefficients, Pressure
forces
Reference area is taken as 1/4th of
missile diameter
[19] CFD 2M – 6M 0° to 10° Pressure coefficients Wave drag
& coefficients Surface pressure
Experimental distributions Mach number
contours
[32] CFD 0.7M & 2.5M 5°, 10°, 15° &20° Normal force coefficients
Pressure contours Streamlines
distribution
[33] CFD 0.7M & 2.5M 5°, 10°, 15° &20° Normal force coefficients
Pressure contours Streamlines
distribution
[20] CFD 0.6M – 3.0M 0°to 10° Aerodynamic coefficients
& Pressure contours
Experimental
[4] CFD 2.5M 0°, 10°, 20° Residuals brought under 10−6
1500 iterations for convergence
Axial Force coefficients, Pressure
force contours Normal force
coefficients
[34] CFD 2.5M 0°, 10°, 20° Residuals brought under 10−6
Aerodynamic coefficients
Pressure contours
[21] CFD 1.1M- 3.0M 12°to 20° Lift & drag coefficients
Mach number contours

8. CONCLUSIONS
The CFD of grid fins have shown promising results for the analysis of old baseline and new
grid fin models. The reduction of drag with minimum effect on the lift of the grid fins has
been the most sought out area of investigation.
The normal shocks formed behind the grid structure in the transonic flow are the main cause
of choked flow in the grid fin cells. Evidently very less simulations/ experiments have been
performed at 𝛼𝛼 ≠ 0. A wide use of unstructured mesh inside the cells of the grid fins can be
seen in the previous literatures. Both Swept-Back and Swept-forward Fins (along with sharp
leading edges) can be explored further for the reduction of drag forces in the Grid fins. The
experiments of the trans-sonic wind tunnel suggest noteworthy aerodynamic characteristics
at Mach numbers 0.90M, 1.09M & 1.30M which can be further explored in CFD while
designing a new fin configuration. Swept Back Sharp leading-edge grid fins show
considerable drag reduction.
The performance of the Swept-Back sharp leading-edge grid fins can further be explored
beyond the trans-sonic regime. The use of unstructured grids has shown consistent results
with the experimental counterparts in the transonic regime and the supersonic regime. The
choked flow phenomenon can be studied easily from the post process result data of CFD
having Mach numbers contour plots. A 2D approach can be useful in understanding the flow
characteristics inside the grid fin cells.
Though the majority of the CFD analysis has been performed to calculate static stability
derivatives, more of studies using CFD as a tool can be performed to calculate the dynamic
stability aerodynamic coefficients in the future.

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