Modeling hypersonic entry with the fully-implicit navier-stokes (FIN-S) stabilized finite element flow solver

In this paper, we present a novel scheme for modeling the hypersonic atmospheric entry of large vehicles with an ablative thermal protection system. The Favre-averaged thermochemical nonequilibrium Navier-Stokes equations with Spalart-Allmaras turbulence closure, thermodynamic, chemical kinetic, and quasi-steady ablation model are presented. The numerical method is based on a streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) stabilized finite element formulation. The formulation and implementation of the finite element approximation are discussed in detail. The performance of the scheme is investigated through a series of increasingly complex applications, culminating in the simulation of a three-dimensional ablating heatshield in transitioning flow.