Solving the aerothermodynamic environment of a hypersonic atmospheric re-entry capsule

In this course, we will learn how to simulate the aerothermodynamic environment of a hypersonic atmospheric re-entry capsule using Solving the Aerothermodynamic Environment of a Hypersonic Atmospheric Re-Entry Capsule.
We will explore the physics of hypersonic flows, including shock waves, compressibility effects, thermochemical nonequilibrium, dissociation, and ionization phenomena. The course covers mesh preparation, solver setup, reacting flow modeling, and boundary condition definition in Ansys Fluent® fluid simulation software.
Participants will learn how to model real-gas effects and chemical reactions using the Gupta air chemistry model for atmospheric re-entry applications.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to perform hypersonic CFD simulations and analyze flow, thermal, and species distribution fields around re-entry vehicles.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of hypersonic aerothermodynamics and the key physical phenomena associated with atmospheric re-entry.
2. Set up hypersonic flow simulations in Ansys Fluent software using density-based solvers and appropriate numerical methods.
3. Configure reacting air models, including dissociation and ionization effects, using the Gupta air chemistry mechanism.
4. Define suitable meshes, material properties, and boundary conditions for atmospheric re-entry capsule simulations.
5. Analyze shock structures, heat transfer, species concentrations, electron density, and other aerothermodynamic results relevant to re-entry vehicle design.

Prerequisites:

• Ansys Fluent Beyond the Basics
• Ansys Fluent Combustion Modeling
• Ansys Fluent Introductory Workshops for external aerodynamics
• Ansys Fluent Meshing (Optional)
• Basic understanding of Ansys Fluent software and of compressible and reacting flows.

Please note: These training materials were developed and tested in the 2022R1 release.