Solution of the Burnett equations for hypersonic flows near the continuum limit

The INCA code, a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code for analysis of hypersonic flowfields, was modified to analyze the lower reaches of the continuum transition regime, where the Navier-Stokes equations become inaccurate and Monte Carlo methods become too computationally expensive. The two-dimensional Burnett equations and the three-dimensional rotational energy transport equation were added to the code and one- and two-dimensional calculations were performed. For the structure of normal shock waves, the Burnett equations give consistently better results than Navier-Stokes equations and compare reasonably well with Monte Carlo methods. For two-dimensional flow of Nitrogen past a circular cylinder the Burnett equations predict the total drag reasonably well. Care must be taken, however, not to exceed the range of validity of the Burnett equations.