**4.2 Validation of spike blunt configuration**

The numerical solution validation was carried out by comparing the experimental flow field as shown in **Figure 8**. The conditions were set as M<sup>∞</sup> = 6, Re = 2.26E+2 and L/D = 1.0 [31]. Numerical and experimental results are in agreement, indicating the main flow field structures, including conical shock, reattached shock, slip line, shear layer, and separation zone.

#### **Figure 8.**

*Flow field wave structure of the spiked blunt body with spike length L/D = 1.0; (a) our numerical photograph result; (b) experimental Schlieren photograph [23].*

*Aero Heating Optimization of a Hypersonic Thermochemical Non-Equilibrium Flow… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101659*
