Numerical solution of Space Shuttle Orbiter flow field

Abstract

The supersonic, viscous laminar flow around the Space Shuttle Orbiter forebody has been computed with a parabolized Navier-Stokes code using a generalized coordinate transformation. The initial solution for the nose part of the Orbiter geometry was obtained with a three-dimensional time-dependent Navier-Stokes solver. It was necessary to employ a wind axis oriented coordinate system to obtain the initial solution with the time-dependent code. The generalized PNS technique used in this study allows the solution to be marched from the given initial data surface to any desired surface downstream. A grid point clustering scheme was employed to accurately describe the body shape by clustering points at the wing tip and at the wing body juncture. The computed heat transfer coefficients, pressure coefficients, and shock shapes are compared with the available experimental data for 0 degrees and 30 degrees angle of attack.