The paper focuses on the importance of a good geometrical representation of
re-entry vehicles for hypersonic Row simulations by means of CFD. Based on
investigations carried our by DLR throughout past re-entry programs, it is
shown that in many cases geometrical simplifications of configurations use
d for CFD evaluation introduce errors in aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic
quantities comparable or even higher than those arising from numerical accu
racy or lack of physical modeling of the respective code. Since it is very
often not possible to upgrade an already existing configuration due to layo
ut incompatibilities of the grid, a good practice is to include as many det
ails as possible in the initial grid design. (C) 2000 Editions scientifique
s et medicales Elsevier SAS.