DrPaulBruce

This course explores the unique flow physics experienced by vehicles travelling at hypersonic speeds in an atmosphere. Compressible flow relations introduced in previous years are modified for hypersonic conditions and the role of viscosity is considered in the form of compressible boundary layers and shock/boundary-layer interactions. These building blocks are applied to predict the aero-thermodynamic performance of past and current spacecraft designed for atmospheric entry missions and evaluate new and emerging technologies that meet future mission requirements. The equations of motion to describe an entry mission and the entry environment itself are also defined.

- To familiarise students with the unique technical and environmental challenges of designing spacecraft capable of leaving and entering a planetary atmosphere;
- To equip students with the knowledge and tools to analyse and design such vehicles.

This course explores the unique flow physics experienced by vehicles travelling at hypersonic speeds in an atmosphere. Compressible flow relations introduced in previous years are modified for hypersonic conditions and the role of viscosity is considered in the form of compressible boundary layers and shock/boundary-layer interactions. These building blocks are applied to predict the aero-thermodynamic performance of past and current spacecraft designed for atmospheric entry missions and evaluate new and emerging technologies that meet future mission requirements. The equations of motion to describe an entry mission and the entry environment itself are also defined.

- To familiarise students with the unique technical and environmental challenges of designing spacecraft capable of leaving and entering a planetary atmosphere;
- To equip students with the knowledge and tools to analyse and design such vehicles.