Analysis of entry aerodynamic heat-transfer data for the orbiter wing lower surface

Flight-derived aerodynamic heat-transfer data for the orbiter wing lower surface, from STS-2, -3, and -5, are presented and compared with both ground-based experimental results and state-of-the-art computational flowfield results for a nominal angle of attack of 40 degrees. The flight data clearly show the development of the interference heat-transfer region on the wing lower surface resulting from the downstream effects of the bow-shock/wing-shock interaction. The location of the interference heating region is well correlated with a region of minimum static enthalpy near the boundary-layer edge as predicted by a 3-dimensional, inviscid flowfield computation. The magnitude of the interference heat transfer is no greater than the undisturbed laminar heat transfer which occurs during the 'peak aerodynamic heating' portion of entry.