• Full scale testing
• Plasma Wind Tunnel
• Space Debris
• Stagnation point heat transfer

Reentry conditions are characterized by hypersonic flows accompanied by extremely high temperatures. These conditions are not only challenging to replicate accurately in numerical simulations, but also impossible to reproduce perfectly in ground based experiment facilities without the support of theoretical assumptions or hypotheses.
This study explores both the capabilities and limitations of current ground testing facilities, using the Local Heat Transfer Simulation (LHTS) theory to evaluate the reproducibility of reentry flight’s stagnation conditions within existing Plasma Wind Tunnels (PWTs). A comprehensive full scale CFD simulation campaign has been conducted to assess advantages and constraints of this theory application.

By simulating scale 1 spherical objects and using inlet conditions designed to evolve into the stagnation pressure and enthalpy required by LHTS, the study aims to validate these setups through the parameter beta = du/dx. Each PWT simulation is compared against flight conditions to quantify their fidelity.

The results demonstrate that, while perfect duplication remains unattainable, the LHTS theory shows meaningful and promising result in stagnation area reproduction. This provides a valuable pathway for designing more representative ground testing environments.