Hypersonic Vehicle Analyses: The Needs and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Simulations

The final part of this analysis involves uncertainty quantification. We conducted hundreds of simulations by varying the chemistry rates of 195 reactions. In total, we have 500 coupled simulations with a range of results. By varying the chemistry rates, we can determine the range of results obtained from these simulations. The level of confidence in predicting radiation changes varies depending on the location around the vehicle. The area with the most uncertainty is at the stagnation point, where there is a wide range of radiation results. As we move along the side and back of the vehicle, the level of uncertainty decreases. This information helps us identify where we need to focus our efforts to reduce uncertainty.

In conjunction with the previous chart, we can determine which specific chemical reactions to focus on to reduce uncertainty. Moving on to a second example of coupled simulations, we will now discuss scramjet inlets.