Johansen, CraigHinman, William Schuyler2017-09-112017-09-1120172017http://hdl.handle.net/11023/4094A detailed analysis of the mechanisms of the hypersonic laminar near-wake is presented. Simulations of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations in two dimensions for various geometries (a cylinder, sphere, and a truncated aft-body cylinder) at a range of Mach (6<M<10) and Reynolds (8x10^3<Re<10^5) numbers have been simulated. Using the simulation results for supporting discussion and analysis, a new theoretical framework for the hypersonic laminar near-wake was developed and is presented here. A semi-empirical relation is derived which can be used to estimate the local characteristic Reynolds number of the wake. Semi-empirical relations are developed and presented for pressure minimum location, separation location, separation length, and viscous-inviscid interaction parameters. The dependence of these parameters on free-stream properties such as Mach and Reynolds number are highlighted. Viscous-inviscid interaction theories are derived and presented for the lip and reattachment shock wave formation processes. As well, a theory is presented that allows the rear stagnation point pressure distribution to estimate the wake centerline Mach number and the effective diameter of the reversed flow jet. The developed sub-mechanisms are then combined into a new overall theoretical framework for the laminar near-wake. Using scaling arguments, the role of each sub mechanism as flow conditions change is discussed. Using the presented theoretical framework and empirical relations, a detailed review and disambiguation of results found in the literature is presented.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Engineering--AerospaceEngineering--MechanicalLaminar near wakeHypersonic flowHypersonic aerodynamicsdoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/26716