A new calculation method of supersonic/hypersonic flows based on the finite element method (FEM) has been developed. In this study, the pressure term of Navier-Stokes equations was included in the flux vector G
i expressing by the stress tensor. By doing this scheme, the pressure term could be expressed as a non-differential form. This treatment made it possible to calculate supersonic/hypersonic flowfields with high speed, little discrepancies, and good stability, compared with previous simulations by the FEM. The correctness of the calculated results was confirmed by comparing shock shapes obtained by the schlieren system and by comparing streamlines obtained by the electric discharge method. As a demonstration of the new calculation method, a stabilization time of wake behind a hypersonic MESUR capsule model was investigated.
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