Orbital Minotaur I - Manual (Page 35)

Minotaur I User’s Guide Section 4.0 – Payload Environment
4.1.2. Steady-State Acceleration
Steady-state vehicle accelerations are determined from the vehicle rigid body analysis. Drag, wind and
motor thrust are applied to a vehicle model. A Monte Carlo analysis is performed to determine variations
in vehicle acceleration due to changes in winds, motor performance and aerodynamics. The steady-state
accelerations must be added to transient accelerations from the CLA to determine the maximum
expected payload acceleration. Maximum steady state accelerations are dependent on the payload mass,
enhancements chosen, and vehicle configuration. The maximum level can potentially occur during either
Stage 3 or 4 burn. Figure 4.1.2-1 depicts the maximum steady-state axial acceleration at burnout for each
stage as a function of payload mass. Lateral steady state accelerations are typically below 0.5 G’s.
Figure 4.1.2-1. Minotaur I 3-Sigma Maximum Axial Acceleration as a Function of Payload Mass
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