Experiment-modeling comparison in a nonequilibrium supersonic air nozzle flow

The modeling of a supersonic air nozzle flow is presented and compared with measurements at the nozzle exit. Shortcomings of state-of-the-art models f or the kinetic scheme and energy exchange terms are discussed. In particula r, the significant influence of an accurate modeling of vibrational-transla tional and vibrational-vibrational energy exchanges is shown. Conversely, t he choice of the model for the kinetic scheme and for the chemical-vibratio nal energy exchange term only has a small influence on the results.