Validation of hypersonic chemical equilibrium flow calculations using ballistic-range data

The hypersonic flow field over a sphere flying in a ballistic-range is nume rically simulated for the purpose of validating a hypersonic chemical equil ibrium flow solver. The numerical results obtained are compared with availa ble experimental data on the stand-off distance and the shape of the detach ed bow shock wave. In the calculation, an adaptive mesh is employed for a c risp capturing of the shock wave. Comparisons with the experimental data re veals that the equilibrium flow solver can yield a fairly accurate predicti on of the flow field.