On the experimental simulation of hypersonic flows around cosmic bodies

The hypersonic flow pattern around meteoroids with cavities and grooves on their surface has been investigated. The flow regimes and the sources of pressure oscillations near the meteoroid surfaces have been analyzed. For steady-state hypersonic flows, the dependence of the distribution of aerothermodynamic parameters over the meteoroid surface on the shape and depth of the cavity and its slope to the oncoming stream has been determined. The stream parameters (Mach and Reynolds numbers) and the geometry of the cavity are shown to affect the overall and discrete levels of pressure oscillations near the surface. We also explained the relation between gas pressure oscillations inside cavities and grooves and their gas-dynamic heating. The results presented in this paper may introduce refinements in the theory of motion, heating, and disruption of meteoroids with a rough surface in the atmosphere.