Some consequences of non-local-equilibrium in hypersonic aerodynamic flows

In simulating high-speed, high-altitude aerodynamics it is important to be able to
capture physical phenomena that are due to the non-local-equilibrium nature of the rarefied gas flow (this is in addition to any effects due to dissociation, ionisation and energy partition in diatomic molecules). The physical effects of the gas rarefaction can be particularly important close to any solid surface, where they have implications for the heat transfer and mechanical stresses experienced by the surface, and hence on the design of the leading edges and control surfaces of aerodynamic vehicles.