Two- and three-dimensional analysis of hypersonic nonequilibrium low-density flows

Abstract

Flowfield results have been obtained for hypersonic, low-density, twoand three-dimensional, nonequilibrium viscous shock-layer flows. Three-dimensional calculations are performed for sphere-coneshaped bodies at various angles of attack. Recently obtained surface and shock-slip boundary conditions are implemented to account for the low-density effects. These boundary conditions may also be employed with the Navier-Stokes equations with or without a shock-fitting solution technique. A method is suggested for obtaining the input shock shape for the three-dimensional nonequilibrium viscous flow. This approach gives superior convergence of results, especially under low-density flow conditions, and makes the VSL method self-starting. The analytic algebraic grid implemented with the equations does not add any numerical dissipation. Obtained results show the effect of low density on the surrounding flowfield and surface quantities for a hypervelocity vehicle. Good agreement is obtained with the available numerical results (including the direct simulation Monte Carlo predictions) and experimental data for the low-density flight conditions.