Shock Structure Analysis and Aerodynamics in a Weakly Ionized Gas Flow

NASA/TP-2006-214602, Saeks, R. and Popovic, S. and Chow, A.S., Shock Structure Analysis and Aerodynamics in a Weakly Ionized Gas Flow, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, August 2006, pp. 92, Format(s): PDF 4152k

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The structure of a shock wave propagating through a weakly ionized gas is analyzed using an electrofluid dynamics model composed of classical conservation laws and Gauss’ Law. A viscosity model is included to correctly model the spatial scale of the shock structure, and quasi-neutrality is not assumed. A detailed analysis of the structure of a shock wave propagating in a weakly ionized gas is presented, together with a discussion of the physics underlying the key features of the shock structure. A model for the flow behind a shock wave propagating through a weakly ionized gas is developed and used to analyze the effect of the ionization on the aerodynamics and performance of a two-dimensional hypersonic lifting body.

Keywords:	shockwave,weakly ionized gas,aerodynamics,electrofluid dynamics,shock structure
Subjects:	Aeronautics: Aerodynamics
ID Code:	732
Deposited On:	23 October 2006