Hypersonic flows over biconics using a variable-effective-gamma, Parabolized-Navier-Stokes code

Abstract

Hypersonic flows over straight and bent biconics are calculated for a range of freestream conditions in which the gas behind the shock is treated as either perfect or real. The Parabolized-Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations form the basis of the approximation scheme. Good comparisons with experimental data for pressures, forces and moments, heat transfer, and oil-flow patterns serve to validate the perfect-gas version of the code. Circumferential velocity vector plots further aid in the interpretation of leeside oil-flow patterns. A variable-effective-gamma (VEG) option is implemented for the real-gas calculations. Gamma, now defined as the ratio of enthalpy to internal energy, is determined from a locally valid linear relation in enthalpy and pressure at every mesh point which in turn is calculated from a benchmark equilibrium code. The VEG option is easily incorporated into a host PNS code because it uses the underlying perfect-gas structure of the code. Comparisons to experimental data for heat transfer and shock shape in high enthalpy air have been obtained using the VEG option.