AN EXTENDED INSIGHT INTO HYPERSONIC FLOW PHENOMENA USING NUMERICAL-METHODS

In recent years a new challenge has arisen for aerothermodynamicists, thermodynamicists and chemists: the aerothermodynamics of hypersonic f lows. The development of modern space transportation systems requires an enormous effort in that field. The main goal is to predict the aero dynamic and thermal loads, for external flows, while for internal flow s (inlet, nozzle etc.) the efficiency, rate of mass flux, heat transfe r and thrust are of major interest. To that end we have developed inte gration methods for the steady and unsteady Euler and Navier-Stokes eq uations including real gas effects (high-temperature effects) in therm al and chemical equilibrium, and non-equilibrium as well. Firstly, the theory of the Euler and Navier-Stokes methods with emphasis on non-eq uilibrium real gas effects will be described roughly. Secondly, a vari ety of applications will be presented where specific physical phenomen a are discussed in some detail. These include non-equilibrium flow sim ulations for both basic configurations and complete space vehicles, as well as equilibrium or perfect gas simulations for the separation pro cess of a two-stage space transportation system and for internal nozzl e flows.