Application of shock capturing and characteristics methods to shuttle flow fields

The calculation of real gas flows around the space shuttle vehicle can be accomplished by the method of characteristics (MOC) or shock capture technique (SCT). Results obtained with these methods for an early orbiter shape proposed by the North American Rockwell Corporation and also for the more recent 040A configuration suggested by NASA-MSC are presented. Results obtained with the SCT code demonstrate its three-dimensional, multiple shock capturing capability while results obtained with the MOC code demonstrate the calculation of equilibrium real gas flows and the determination of flow variables required for a heating analysis.