Hypersonic Vehicle Analyses: The Needs and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Simulations - presented by Prof. Iain Boyd

Hypersonic Vehicle Analyses: The Needs and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Simulations

Prof. Iain Boyd

Prof. Iain Boyd
Slide at 16:15
CENTER FOR
NATIONAL
Hypersonic
SECURITY
INITIATIVES
Aerothermodynamics
Computational Chemistry
Evaluation of Rates
Camac (1962) Millikan-White (1963)
O.(a's)+As 0,(b
Baulch et al.(1987)
O,(a's)+ 0,(b'2)+Ar
0.04
0.06
0.08
5000
10000
15000
20000
Temperature, K
First principles analysis at molecular level
Nonequilibrium aerothermochemistry
CFD Validation
CFD Analysis of Vehicles
0.25
Experiment
0.20
T[K]
Computation
Mach 20, 40 km altitude
4400 4000
11-species air
3600
0.15
3200
2800 2400
2000
1600
T [K]
0.10
1200
13000
-0.5
12000
0.05
0 -0.5 -1
11000
10000
Y [m]
9000 0.5
0.00
8000
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.05
0.15
7000
Axial Distance [m]
Axial Distance [m]
6000
5000
4000
-0.5
Mach 12 flow tested in shock tunnel
3000
0 -0.5 -1
2000
Y [m]
1000
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Summary (AI generated)

Examples of our research focus on the interaction of individual molecules and atoms under conditions relevant to hypersonic flow. These calculations, known as trajectory calculations, help us understand processes like molecule dissociation and energy transfer. By performing billions of these calculations and then reducing the data, we can evaluate rates of processes like vibrational excitation and dissociation. This information is then used in our CFD code, Lamont, to analyze conditions with ground test data.

One specific calculation we have done is on the double cone experiment, showing good agreement between CFD predictions and heat transfer measurements. This progression from molecules to rates to CFD code builds confidence in our predictive capabilities. Once we have a reliable CFD code, we can use it for design and analysis, as well as answer hypothetical questions.

Our research serves as a numerical laboratory for various analyses and experiments. For example, we can use our CFD code to study the aerodynamics of hypersonic vehicles, including lift and drag. This approach allows us to gain insights into the properties of prototype hypersonic vehicles.