Multiphysics Coupling for Reentry Flows

A procedure has been developed to couple a hypersonic reacting flow model, a radiative heat transfer model, and a surface ablation model to study the surface heat transfer and surface ablation rate of atmospheric entry vehicles. The “loose” coupling algorithm is described for each of the models as well as the solution procedures to achieve convergence. Observations on the challenges of the loose coupling strategy are given. Representative results are presented for 2-D benchmark examples and for flow at angle of attack past an axisymmetric capsule based on the CEV reentry vehicle. Effects due to the interaction with radiation and ablation are shown for two quantities of interest, the predicted peak surface heat flux and the ablation rate on the vehicle heatshield. Uncertain parameters are identified in each of the submodels, and a parameter sensitivity study is carried out by varying these values to examine their effects on the heat transfer and ablation rates in the coupled prediction.