Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
Chemical and thermal nonequilibrium phenomena are studied in the stagnation region of a hypervelocity blunt body. This investigation is motivated by the need to predict the heat-transfer rate to the leading edge of aeromaneuvering orbital transfer vehicles. Flight speeds of approximately 10 km/s at altitudes of approximately 80 km are considered for body radii of 1-50 cm. The analysis is based on continuum theory and is applicable to the viscous and incipient merged layer regimes of rarefied flow. A two-species, two-temperature gas model is assumed. Comparisons are made with previous theories, experimental data, and results based on the thermodynamic equilibrium assumption. The equation accounting for vibrational nonequilibrium is presented and its effects on flow properties are discussed. Parameters requiring further investigation are identified. Preliminary results indicate that the inclusion of vibrational relaxation has little effect on the heat-transfer rate for a fully catalytic surface. However, vibrational nonequilibrium may increase the heat-transfer rate to a noncatalytic surface, depending on the degree of nonequilibrium.
Keywords:
Aerodynamics
Type:
AIAA Paper 85-1033
,
Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics: Thermophysical Aspects of Re-Entry Flows; 103; 445-475|Thermophysics; Jun 19, 1985 - Jun 21, 1985; Williamsburg, VA; United States
Format:
text
