Modelling of chemical reactions in hypersonic rarefied flow with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method

In this paper the phenomenon of chemical reactivity in hypersonic rarefied flows is examined. A new model is developed to describe the reactions and post-collision energy exchange processes that take place under conditions of molecular non-equilibrium. The new scheme, which is applied within the framework of the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, draws its inspiration from the principles of maximum entropy which were developed by Levine & Bernstein. Sample hypersonic flow fields, typical of spacecraft re-entry conditions in which reactions play an important role, are presented and compared with results from experiments and other DSMC calculations. The latter use traditional methods for the modelling of chemical reactions and energy exchange. The differences are discussed and evaluated.