Title

Critical Hypersonic Aerothermodynamic Phenomena

Author Info

John J. Bertin, Rice University
Russell M. Cummings, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

Recommended Citation

Postprint version. Published in Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, Volume 38, January 1, 2006, pages 129-157.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.fluid.38.050304.092041.

Abstract

The challenges in understanding hypersonic flight are discussed and critical hypersonic aerothermodynamics issues are reviewed. The ability of current analytical methods, numerical methods, ground testing capabilities, and flight testing approaches to predict hypersonic flow are evaluated. The areas where aerothermodynamic shortcomings restrict our ability to design and analyze hypersonic vehicles are discussed, and prospects for future capabilities are reviewed. Considerable work still needs to be done before our understanding of hypersonic flow will allow for the accurate prediction of vehicle flight characteristics throughout the flight envelope from launch to orbital insertion.

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering

Copyright

2006 Annual Reviews.

Publisher statement

This article has been accepted for publication by Annual Reviews in a revised form.