Engineering Transition Prediction for a Hypersonic Axisymmetric Boundary Layer.

Abstract

The hypersonic flow over a blunt, slender cone at M*&#618 and *&#610* is investigated from an engineering point of view. To do this, a steady, laminar mean flow is efficiently computed by means of an Euler/Boundary-Layer method called EUBL which includes second-order boundary-layer theory. Transition prediction is done using local, linear stability theory in conjunction with the e*-method. Mean flow and stability results are in good agreement with those of other theoretical studies. Compared to experimental stability data, however, considerable differences between spatial amplification rates remain. The difference in transition location is about 15%. Results of sensitivity studies show that the displacement effect, as well as the influence of mumerical dissipation on the Euler solution, lead to differences in transition location, Re*, of about 10%. Furthermore, the use of a linear viscosity law for low temperatures leads to noticeable.