Boundary layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow impacts hypersonic vehicle performance more profoundly than low-speed vehicle performance as a result of the detailed inter-relation of systems on hypersonic vehicles. Accurate prediction is difficult because of the sensitivity of transition to initial conditions. Although computational tools continue to improve, their use is limited largely to specialists. Ground testing continues to be a valuable tool; however, boundary layer transition is one of the most difficult fluid dynamic phenomena to replicate experimentally. It is relevant to such proposed systems as transatmospheric, future strike, and reconnaissance vehicles.

Basic research opportunities exist in the prediction of hypersonic boundary layer transition. Areas of interest include (1) linear stability parabolized stability equations, (2) computation of basic states for three-dimensional flowfields, (3) stability calculations for three-dimensional flowfields, and (4) hypersonic stability and transition measurements.

 

key words

Boundary layer; Hypersonic; Stability; Transition; Turbulence; Aeroheating; Drag; Fluid dynamic; Control;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants