Hypersonic flow in chemical non-equilibrium: A comparison of thin-layer Navier-Stokes and coupled Euler/boundary layer computations

Abstract

A comparison of the computed flowfields for viscous hypersonic flow in chemical non-equilibrium is presented. Two different approximations of the aerothermochemistry equations have been considered: the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations and a second-order coupling of the Euler and boundary layer equations. To avoid discrepancies arising from the choice of the physical and chemical models, the test case considered has been defined in a precise manner. In addition, close attention is paid to the appropriate flowfield properties to be compared. The detailed agreement obtained in the computed solutions for hypersonic flow over a hyperboloid provides a verification of the accuracy of the numerical methods employed.