Modeling of high enthalpy flows for hypersonic re-entry and ground-based arc-jet testing

This work presents a simulation framework for modeling high enthalpy ionized gas flows during planetary entry flights and ground-based arc-jet testing. The system of Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations in thermo-chemical non-equilibrium with Spalart-Allmaras turbulence closure is outlined, along with models for thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, transport properties, and the applied electric field. The electric field and the Joule heating term are computed using a Poisson equation and the generalized Ohm's law. A standard two-temperature model is implemented to account for non-equilibrium effects. A numerical method based on the streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) finite element formulation is utilized. A two-way loose coupling strategy between the flow solver and the electric field is introduced to achieve convergence. The methodology is first tested by modeling hypersonic axisymmetric flows over a blunt body for a range of increasingly complex flight conditions. We then apply it to simulate the flow-field and electrical discharge inside the 20 MW NASA Ames Aerodynamic Heating facility (AHF) to further confirm the capabilities and robustness of the developed framework.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Sahai, Amal

• High enthalpy flows
• Hypersonic entry
• Arc-jet
• Finite Element

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Amal Sahai

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78575

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/78575