Results are presented for several numerical experiments using an analysis of the viscous radiating stagnation region shock layer and stagnation point heat transfer. A simple step model absorption coefficient, rationally constructed from existing quantum mechanical calculations, is shown to accurately predict shock layer nongray continuum radiative heat transfer in comparison to results obtained with detailed spectral absorption coefficients. Sensitivity of the heat transfer to uncertainties in gas radiative and transport properties is also examined, as well as the effect of artificially increased absorption in the boundary layer. (Author).