Evaluation of a displacement-body model for hypersonic shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction

Abstract

In this thesis, a displacement-body model for strong-interaction shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction (SBLI) is presented and evaluated. The model considers 2-D flow over a flat plate with an adiabatic wall. The separation bubble is modeled as a displacement body with constant surface pressure, the value of which is set equal to the value of plateau pressure given by free-interaction theory. A shock-fitting method of characteristics is employed to numerically compute quantities in the inviscid outer flow. Boundary conditions that satisfy physical requirements at shock waves, slip lines, and solid walls are enforced. Accuracy of the model is shown for both laminar and turbulent flow regimes, as well as for Mach numbers in the hypersonic regime. Additionally, the model provides a physical explanation for the pressure drop observed downstream of reattachment in hypersonic flows.