ATA Engineering Rocket Nozzle FSI Simulation Case Study

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ATA Engineering Rocket Nozzle FSI Simulation Case Study

Case study showing how ATA Engineering used Abaqus FEA and CFD co-simulation to model fluid-structure interaction in Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzles for NASA SLS.

Published

June 4, 2026

Read time

3 min read

Source

ATA Engineering performed the first fully coupled, time-accurate 3D fluid-structure interaction simulation of a rocket engine nozzle during liftoff. Using SIMULIA Co-Simulation Engine, the team linked Abaqus structural analysis with Loci/CHEM CFD to capture side loads, nozzle deformation, and dynamic response. The work supports weight reduction and design optimization for reusable engines in NASA's Space Launch System program.

Key takeaways

Coupled FEA-CFD simulation captured nozzle side loads and ovalization during engine startup

SIMULIA CSE enabled data exchange between Abaqus and Loci/CHEM at each time step

Simulation results aligned with prior physical test observations of SSME behavior

Methodology supports lighter nozzle designs while maintaining structural integrity

ATA selected to extend FSI work to SLS upper-stage engine development

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SCR methodology note

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