This research centers on laying the groundwork for the application of Bayesian statistical methods for the calibration of parameters relevant to modeling a hypersonic shock layer with the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The DSMC method used in this work employs the algorithm of Bird (1994), with modifications to allow for the efficient simulation of a 1D hypersonic shock. The Larse...

An evolutionary design approach is used to construct an autopilot for a hypersonic airbreathing aircraft. Flight control for this class of vehicle is an extremely challenging problem due to the combination of nonlinear dynamics, parametric uncertainty and complex constraints. Consequently, simultaneous control over the flight path, aerodynamic attitude and propulsion is required. This thesis de...

This paper presents a study of the breakdown of the Navier-Stokes equations in hypersonic viscous flows over a sharp cone tip and a hollow cylinder/flare geometry. Investigations are performed through detailed comparisons of the numerical results obtained with continuum and particle techniques. The objective of the study is to predict conditions under which the continuum approach may be expecte...

The Langley 8-Foot High-Temperature Tunnel (8-ft HTT) is used to test components of hypersonic vehicles for aerothermal loads de nition and structural component veri cation. The test medium of the 8-ft HTT is obtained by burning a mixture of methane-air under high pressure; the combustion products are expanded through an axisymmetric conical-contoured nozzle to simulate atmospheric ight at Mach...