University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Seminar Series: BOLT II Project and Stratospheric Science

Abstract: High-speed boundary layer turbulence is the primary driver for thermal loads on high-speed vehicles. Much research has been conducted to study when, why and how the boundary layer transitions from laminar to turbulent. However, we lack a physics-based understanding of high-speed turbulent boundary layers. Therefore, the Boundary Layer Turbulence (BOLT II) In Memory of Dr. Mike Holden specifically addresses this lack of understanding through synergistic ground testing, high-fidelity simulations and a flight experiment. Additionally, three approaches to characterizing the stratosphere, in ways that directly affect the boundary layer, contributed to the project to intertwine the boundary layer behavior with the atmosphere.

RSVP by 5:00 PM on June 20, 2022.       

Dr. Sarah H. Popkin joined the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in September 2020 as the High-Speed Aerodynamics Program Officer. Prior to AFOSR, Dr. Popkin contributed to Department of Defense projects as a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) employee for 13 years. At JHU/APL, she served several roles including Chief Scientist of the Advanced Weapon Systems Group and co-PI of an internally JHU/APL-funded grant focused on enabling low-cost, rapidly reusable hypersonic testing based on hybrid rocket motor technology. Dr. Popkin also has over 10 years of experience developing aerodynamic and trajectory models for a range of vehicles including subsonic Unmanned Air Vehicles, supersonic threat missiles and conceptual hypersonic vehicles and even hydrodynamic submarine modeling. Dr. Popkin earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland.