Special Topics in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering: Introduction to Hypersonic Aerodynamics and Thermal Protection Design

The course covers some critical aspects of hypervelocity flight of manned and unmanned spacecrafts with an emphasis on dynamic load and heat shielding. It first addresses inviscid and viscous hypersonics neglecting high temperature effects, and develops the classical approach based on cold hypersonics. Then, the phenomena associated with high temperature effects are discussed. The heat transfer analysis of the thermal protection systems is addressed in the final part of the course. To assimilate the material, the students are engaged in a project that culminates in a report and an oral presentation of their work.