Basics of aerothermodynamics

Abstract

The article provides an introduction to the basics of aerothermodynamics with the example of the reentry of an orbital space capsule into the earth’s atmosphere. The gaskinetical and continuum mechanical methods and phenomena, which are required for the prediction of the heat flux into the heat shield of the reentry capsule, will be presented. The emphasis in the discussion of the results is on the chemical sensitivity studies and the mathematical formulation of the physical-chemical boundary conditions along the reentry trajectory. In this case, the chemical modelling of the interaction of the chemically reacting hot gas with the technical surface of the heat shield of the reentry capsule and its implementation into developed gaskinetical and continuum mechanical numerical simulation methods are the keys to the design of heat shields for future reusable reentry vehicles. The article attempts to provide a shortened summary of the scientific results from a text book on the same subject by H. Oertel jr. et al. [1].