Analysis of observed and computed crossing-shock-wave/turbulent-boundary-layer interactions

The prediction of the performances of supersonic inlets heavily depends on the ability to model Shock-Wave/Turbulent-Boundary-Layer Interactions (SWBLI). A joint experimental and computational study is carried out to identify the flow regimes occurring at Mach 4 between two sharp fins mounted on a flat plate. Three configurations are examined (7°×7°, 7°×11°, 15°×15°) to cover a representative range of interaction strengths. The evolution of the flow regimes with the interaction strength is described. The distributions of pressure and heat-transfer coefficient are related to the identified flow regimes. Experiments and computations agree on the primary features of the flow, while they diverge about the secondary features and the level of the heat transfer in these regions, where it may be over-predicted by a factor of 2−2.5. The SWBLI heat transfer issue is related to specific flow regimes, for which turbulence modeling deficiencies are pointed out.