A Study of the Hypersonic Leading Edge Flow in the Merged Layer and Strong Interaction Regimes

摘要

The problem of hypersonic flow near the leading edge of a sharp-edged body is investigated. The region of chief interest is the merged layer flow regime just upstream of the strong interaction regime. The limitations of applying continuum equations to the leading edge flow are discussed. A system of composite equations applicable to the merged layer and strong interaction flow regime is then developed systematically from the Navier-Stokes equations for the steady, planar or axi-symmetric flow of a perfect gas. Limited numerical solutions of these equations are described for the case of a sharp-edged flat plate. Owing to the presence of weak upstream influence in the problem, divergent behavior is encountered in the numerical treatment of the problem. The divergence scale is quite small, and prevents extensive calculations for the merged layer from being made. It is concluded that another means for numerical solution of the equations is required if practical computation times are to be achieved. (Author)