Multiscale Part-Spectrum k-Distribution Database for Atomic Radiation in Hypersonic Nonequilibrium Flows

An accurate and compact part-spectrum k-distribution database has been developed for the two most important radiating species N and O encountered in hypersonic nonequilibrium flows. The database allows users to calculate the desired full-spectrum k-distributions through look-up and interpolation, providing an efficient means to perform radiative transfer calculations. A detailed methodology of the k-distribution data generation is presented. An optimized Gauss quadrature scheme is implemented for reducing the size of the database. The accuracy of the database is determined by comparing partspectrum emissivities with those obtained from line-by-line calculations. The application of the database to construct full-spectrum k-distributions at arbitrary gas states is discussed. Heat transfer results for the stagnation line of the Stardust vehicle are discussed and CPU-time studies are presented, demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of the k-distribution database. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004528]