22-10-2012, 03:40 PM
Computational Aerothermodynamic Design Issues for Hypersonic Vehicles
ABSTRACT
A brief review of the evolutionary progress in computational aerothermodynamics is presented. The current status of
computational aerothermodynamics is then discussed, with emphasis on its capabilities and limitations for contributions to the
design process of hypersonic vehicles. Some topics to be highlighted include: (1) aerodynamic coefficient predictions with
emphasis on high temperature gas effects; (2) surface heating and temperature predictions for thermal protection system (TPS)
design in a high temperature, thermochemical nonequilibrium environment; (3) methods for extracting and extending
computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solutions for efficient utilization by all members of a multidisciplinary design team; (4)
physical models; (5) validation process and error estimation; and (6) gridding and solution generation strategies. Recent
experiences in the design of X-33 will be featured. Computational aerothermodynamic contributions to Mars Path finder,
METEOR, and Stardust (Comet Sample return) will also provide context for this discussion. Some of the barriers that
currently limit computational aerothermodynamics to a predominantly reactive mode in the design process will also be
discussed, with the goal of providing focus for future research.