Lee-side flow phenomena on space shuttle configurations at hypersonic speeds. Part 1: Flow separation and flow field viscous phenomena of a delta-wing shuttle orbiter configuration

Results of a pitot pressure investigation of the flow field on the lee side of a delta wing shuttle orbiter are presented. The results delineate the extent of the lee side separated flow and give a tentative cross sectional definition to the shock wave structure for angles of attack of 15 deg and 30 deg. It is shown that while, in general, the effects of Reynolds number on the flow field are not large, detailed effects are observed that may have significant bearing on the heating estimate. Two examples are cited for an angle of attack of 15 deg; these are: (1) The scope of the vertical tail exposed to the unseparated flow increases with increasing Reynolds number and (2) the depth of the separated flow adjacent ot where the bow wave crosses the wing appears to decrease with increasing Reynolds number. In addition, it is shown that at a spanwise station outboard of the wing-fuselage juncture, increasing Reynolds number decreased the pitot pressure in the unseparated flow. This defect of pitot pressure appears associated with the flow over the wing-fillet-fuselage juncture.