Continuum models of rarefied gas flows in problems of hypersonic aerothermodynamics

The limits of applicability of continuum flow models in the problem of the hypersonic rarefied gas flow over blunt bodies are determined by an asymptotic analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations, the numerical solution of the viscous shock layer equations and the numerical and asymptotic solution of the thin viscous shock layer equations for low Reynolds numbers. It is shown that the thin viscous shock layer model gives correct values of the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer coefficient in the transitional to free-molecule flow regime. The asymptotic solutions, the numerical solutions obtained within the framework of different continuum models, and the results of a calculation by Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method are compared. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.