Aerodynamic excitations in the near wake of space launchers: insights from hot-flow experiments using high-speed PIV

Abstract The catastrophic failure of the Ariane 5 ECA heavy launcher in December 2002 underscored significant gaps in understanding the dynamic loads acting on the vehicle’s base region. Investigations revealed that aerodynamic interactions between the nozzle exhaust plume and the launcher wake, particularly the phenomenon of “buffeting,” led to intense oscillatory mechanical loads. This study addresses the challenges in accurately replicating these effects in both experimental and numerical mod