Computational Challenges in Hypersonic Flow Simulations

Computational challenges in hypersonic flow simulations being addressed by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Hypersonics Project are reviewed. The purpose of the project is to conduct foundational research for capsule-based entry vehicles as well as air-breathing launch systems enabling human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The challenges include accurate simulation of turbulence due to roughness-induced transition, improved understanding of turbulence physics and transition processes, reliable hybrid RANS-LES methods, innovative radiation-chemistry-flow coupling methods, and automatic hybrid continuum-rarefied flow simulation methods. The robust and accurate prediction of aerodynamic heating is a cornerstone enabling requirement. The obstacles to extending previous research on structured grids to unstructured grids, with the ultimate goal of solution-adaptive methodology, are highlighted.

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