Studies on computation reentry aerodynamics

Abstract The present report deals with some specific studies aiming at the verification of the correctness and efficiency of finite element CFD models recently developed at the ICA. The algorithms evolved at the ICA for the European Hermes Research and Development project on Three-dimensional Hypersonic Viscous Flow with Chemical Reactions as reported proviously in Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 73 (1989) 1–51. The study at hand considers the appropriateness of the computer methodology for the prediction of the bow shock in two- and three-dimensional hypersonic flows, as also the efficiency of a number of indicators for adaptive mesh refinement. In addition the paper compares numerical and experimental results for the three-dimensional viscous hypersonic flow over a doubleellipsoid.