DSMC Computations of SARA Reentry Capsule Exposed to Weakly Ionized Gas Flow

Author(s):	Palharini, Rodrigo C. ; Azevedo, Joao Luiz F. ; White, Craig Total Authors: 3
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	AIAA SCITECH 2019 FORUM; v. N/A, p. 19-pg., 2019-01-01.
Abstract
In the present investigation, the direct simulation Monte Carlo method is employed to simulate hypersonic rarefied gas flows over the Brazilian reentry satellite. The freestream conditions correspond to those experienced by the capsule at 70 and 65 km altitude. At this altitude and re-entry velocity of 7860 m/s, a high temperature shock is formed promoting dissociation and possibly ionisation of the air surrounding the vehicle. The chemical reactions are modelled using the Quantum Kinetic (QK) chemistry model and the results are compared with those obtained for non-reacting gas flows. It is found that the chemical reactions lead to a significant reduction of the shock wave temperature which, consequently, causes a decrease in the maximum pressure values and in the shock wave thickness. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	14/25438-1 - Numerical investigation of hypersonic vehicles aerothermodynamics during atmospheric re-entry under non-chemical equilibrium
Grantee:	Rodrigo Cassineli Palharini
Support Opportunities:	Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral


FAPESP's process:	13/07375-0 - CeMEAI - Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry
Grantee:	Francisco Louzada Neto
Support Opportunities:	Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC