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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 January 2025
This study investigates the influence of release timing on the trajectory of internal store separation through numerical solutions of continuity, momentum, energy equations and six degrees of freedom equations in a coupled manner. The internal store separation process in advanced fighter aircraft is analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and six degrees of freedom equations of motion. Initially, the equations of motion are validated by reenacting the Eglin Air Force Base study, an external store separation example with documented experimental results. Subsequently, validation is extended to the M219 cavity problem. In the internal store separation analysis, a cavity with an L/D ratio of 5, a freestream velocity of 0.85 Mach, and a generic store are utilised. Detached eddy simulation (DES) is applied using both static and dynamic mesh techniques in all numerical solutions. The generic store, positioned within a clean cavity with a 90-degree flap angle, was released at two distinct times, corresponding to the points of maximum and minimum gravitational forces. Interestingly, the results show that releasing the store when the normal force acting on it is at its maximum does not necessarily provide an optimal separation. Specifically, when the force coefficient was at its maximum (0.14), the store collided with the cavity door flap after 0.171465 seconds. In contrast, when the force coefficient was at its minimum (-0.04), the store contacted the cavity door after 0.170295 seconds at the same location. Despite the differences in force magnitudes, the trajectories were nearly identical, suggesting that the timing of the release may not have a significant effect on preventing collision. This further emphasises the need for flow control methods to ensure safe and effective store separation.