Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis and Modeling of SpaceX’s Starship and Raptor Engine

SpaceX’s Starship Rocket, a fully reusable launch vehicle, is designed to transport humans to the Moon and Mars. Understanding its aerodynamic behavior is essential for identifying high and low stress points along the rocket and modifying the geometry of future interplanetary vehicles. Computational approaches like computer-aided design (CAD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) allow for accurate simulations of complex aerodynamic phenomena. In this study, SpaceX’s Starship Rocket body and Raptor engine were modeled using CAD, and steady-state flow over the rocket body and through the engine was simulated. Although mesh convergence was not confirmed, consistent qualitative results were observed.