Direct numerical simulation of shock-wave/boundary layer interaction controlled with convergent-divergent riblets

In this paper, a section of convergent-divergent (C-D) riblets is applied upstream of a compression ramp in a supersonic turbulent boundary layer in a Mach 2.9 flow with a Reynolds number of R e (theta) = 2240. Direct numerical simulations are undertaken to examine the impact of C-D riblets on the shock wave/boundary layer interaction and the feasibility of using them to mitigate flow separation. Over the riblet section, a large-scale secondary roll mode is produced by C-D riblets with the downwelling motion occurring around the diverging region and upwelling motion near the converging region. This consequently leads to a spanwise heterogeneity in mean quantities and turbulent structures over the riblet section and also in the interaction zone. Compared with the baseline case, the area of the separation zone for the riblet case experiences a dramatic local reduction of 92% in the diverging region, owing to the downwelling motion that injects the high-momentum fluid toward the wall and the near-wall spanwise velocity that transports the low-momentum fluid away. The enhanced upwelling motion around the converging region induced by C-D riblets, on the one hand, contributes to the decrease of the near-wall momentum and subsequently the increase of the local separation area. On the other hand, the upwelling motion effectively reduces the incoming Mach number upstream of the compression corner. This appears to reduce the strength of the separation shock, leading to a more gradual compression of the incoming flow that helps ease the enlargement of the separation area nearby. Overall, the area of the mean flow separation is reduced by 56%, indicating an effective flow separation control by the C-D riblets. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

In this paper, the impact of convergent-divergent riblets on a supersonic turbulent boundary layer is examined using direct numerical simulations. The riblets induce spanwise heterogeneity and successfully reduce the area of the separation zone.