The BOLT Experiments: Outcomes from a Decade of Fundamental Science in Hypersonic Flight

The paper highlights major accomplishments, outcomes, new knowledge, and lessons learned from nearly a decade of research surrounding the three BOLT flight experiments (BOLT-1A, BOLT-2, and BOLT-1B) and associated preflight and postflight research surrounding the flights. It is hoped that documentation of the BOLT program outcomes will highlight the progress made in fundamental understanding of transition and turbulence from the flights. Major topics addressed include outcomes from wind-tunnel testing of this common geometry in many facilities over the years, key advancements in numerical simulation techniques motivated by the need to model physics on the complex BOLT geometry, progress in flight experimentation methodologies, the importance of combining hypersonic flight test with atmospheric measurements, and the value of programs like BOLT for accelerating workforce experience.