Affiliations: Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Fukuyama
University, Fukuyama, 729-0292, Japan. FAX: (+81)84-936-2023; E-mail:
[email protected] | Graduate Student, Fukuyama University
Abstract: The spatial flowfield around a model of the re-entry capsule of the
Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Pathfinder probe afterbody configuration
traveling at a speed of Mach 10 was investigated utilizing the electrical
discharge method. The shock shape ahead of the capsule was observed using a
technique for visualizing 3-D shock shapes, then the streamline following the
shock wave was observed utilizing a technique for visualizing streamlines
crossing a shock wave. Subsequently, the flowfield behind the capsule was
observed by applying a technique for visualizing flow patterns. From these
observations, the spatial flow construction including the wake region such as a
separation, free shear layer, and rear stagnation location behind the capsule
was made clear. These experiments utilizing the electrical discharge method
qualitatively demonstrated the spatial flow structure before and behind the
hypersonic re-entry capsule, which had been very difficult to visualize. These
experiments were carried out by using a pulsed facility of 18 ms duration.