SIMULATION OF HYPERSONIC, REACTING FLOW AROUND REENTRY BODIES - COMPARISONS OF NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Results of an ongoing validation project for hypersonic flow prediction, which involves both numerical methods and experimental facilities, are presented. In the project, DASA-LM (formerly Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm) provides the means for numerically simulating the flow around reentry bodies, whereas the Australian National University provides the means for experimentally simulating the now. The general strategy for the comparisons is described and the results obtained for different parameters and different test gases are compared critically. A hyperboloid is chosen to be the test body. The results of the comparison provide confidence in both the numerical method and the modelling of high temperature physical and chemical effects.