Abstract: Current national interests in hypersonic flight provide motivation for accurate simulation of high-speed and propulsive flows, where combined viscous and high temperature gas effects are leading scientific challenges that limit system efficiencies and thermal management. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the elements of our approach, which is aimed at providing new physical understanding and mathematical treatments for high-speed viscous flows with non-equilibrium aerothermochemistry. First, an overview research challenges associated with hypersonic viscous flow is provided. Second, mathematical treatments founded in physics-based transport are examined. Third, ground test, flight experiment, and simulation results are described that help reveal the roles of high-speeds and high-temperatures. The example flows are directly related to hypersonic external aerothermodynamics and scramjet propulsion. The test infrastructure at Texas A&M University will also be described, with a preview into future capabilities. Finally, the opportunities associated with the OUSD(R&E) JHTO University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics are discussed.
Bio: Dr. Rodney Bowersox is Senior Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering, Deputy Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment (TEES) Station state agency, Ford I Professor, Aerospace Engineering, and University Regents Professor, Texas A&M University (TAMU). His research interests are focused on hypersonic flight and propulsion, including viscous flows, aerothermochemistry, non-equilibrium gases, jet interactions, diagnostics, and facility development. He founded and directs the TAMU National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonic Flight Laboratory (http://nal.tamu.edu). He is Principal Investigator and TEES Executive Director for the OUSD(R&E) JHTO University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (http://hypersonics.tamu.edu). He is a member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dr. Bowersox earned BS (’88), MS (’90), and PhD (’92) degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Website: https://engineering.tamu.edu/aerospace/profiles/bowersox-rodney.html
Host: Kevin Hemker
Reception to follow.