Molecular Physics and Hypersonic Flows bridges the gap between the fluid dynamics and molecular physics communities, emphasizing the role played by elementary processes in hypersonic flows. In particular, the work is primarily dedicated to filling the gap between microscopic and macroscopic treatments of the source terms to be inserted in the fluid dynamics codes. The first part of the book describes the molecular dynamics of elementary processes both in the gas phase and in the interaction with surfaces by using quantum mechanical and phenomenological approaches. A second group of contributions describes thermodynamics and transport properties of air components, with special attention to the transport of internal energy. A series of papers is devoted to the experimental and theoretical study of the flow of partially ionized gases. Subsequent contributions treat modern computational techniques for 3-D hypersonic flow. Non-equilibrium vibrational kinetics are then described, together with the coupling of vibration-dissociation processes as they affect hypersonic flows. Special emphasis is given to the interfacing of non-equilibrium models with computational fluid dynamics methods. Finally, the last part of the book deals with the application of direct Monte Carlo methods in describing rarefied flows.

Hypersonic Flow Theory presents the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, focusing on the hypersonic flow theory and approaches in theoretical aerodynamics. This book discusses the assumptions underlying hypersonic flow theory, unified supersonic-hypersonic similitude, two-dimensional and axisymmetric bodies, and circular cylinder. The constant-streamtube-area approximation, streamtube-continuity methods, and tangent-wedge and tangent-cone are also deliberated. This text likewise covers the similar laminar boundary layer solutions, bluntness induced interactions on slender bodies, and free molecule transfer theory. The dynamics of hypersonic flight or hypersonic wing theory, magnetohydrodynamic theory, or any developments involving treatment of the Boltzmann equation are not included. This publication is intended for hypersonic aerodynamicists, students, and researchers conducting work on the hypersonic flow phenomena.

This book is a self-contained text for those students and readers interested in learning hypersonic flow and high-temperature gas dynamics. It assumes no prior familiarity with either subject on the part of the reader. If you have never studied hypersonic and/or high-temperature gas dynamics before, and if you have never worked extensively in the area, then this book is for you. On the other hand, if you have worked and/or are working in these areas, and you want a cohesive presentation of the fundamentals, a development of important theory and techniques, a discussion of the salient results with emphasis on the physical aspects, and a presentation of modern thinking in these areas, then this book is also for you. In other words, this book is designed for two roles: 1) as an effective classroom text that can be used with ease by the instructor, and understood with ease by the student; and 2) as a viable, professional working tool for engineers, scientists, and managers who have any contact in their jobs with hypersonic and/or high-temperature flow.

Emphasis is placed on the analysis of translational, rotational, vibrational and electronically excited state kinetics, coupled to the electron Boltzmann equation.

In its first centennial, aerospace has matured from a pioneering activity to an indispensable enabler of our daily life activities. In the next twenty to thirty years, aerospace will face a tremendous challenge - the development of flying objects that do not depend on fossil fuels. The twenty-three chapters in this book capture some of the new technologies and methods that are currently being developed to enable sustainable air transport and space flight. It clearly illustrates the multi-disciplinary character of aerospace engineering, and the fact that the challenges of air transportation and space missions continue to call for the most innovative solutions and daring concepts.

7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Rotational Energy Exchange Models -- 7.2.1 Constant Collision Number -- 7.2.2 The Parker Model -- 7.2.3 Variable Probability Exchange Model of Boyd -- 7.2.4 Nonequilibrium Direction Dependent Model -- 7.2.5 Model Results -- 7.3 Vibrational Energy Exchange Models -- 7.3.1 Constant Collision Number -- 7.3.2 The Millikan-White Model -- 7.3.3 Quantized Treatment for Vibration -- 7.3.4 Model Results -- 7.4 Dissociation Chemical Reactions -- 7.4.1 Total Collision Energy Model -- 7.4.2 Redistribution of Energy Following a Dissociation Reaction -- 7.4.3 Vibrationally Favored Dissociation Model -- 7.5 General Chemical Reactions -- 7.5.1 Reaction Rates and Equilibrium Constant -- 7.5.2 Backward Reaction Rates in DSMC -- 7.5.3 Three-Body Recombination Reactions -- 7.5.4 Post-Reaction Energy Redistribution and General Implementation -- 7.5.5 DSMC Solutions for Reacting Flows -- 7.6 Summary -- Appendix A: Generating Particle Properties -- Appendix B: Collisional Quantities -- Appendix C: Determining Post-Collision Velocities -- Appendix D: Macroscopic Properties -- Appendix E: Common Integrals -- References -- Index