Shock wave and turbulent boundary layer interaction in a double compression ramp

Direct numerical simulations of shock wave and supersonic turbulent boundary layer interaction in a double compression ramp with fixed ramp angles of 12 degrees and 24 degrees at Mach 2.9 are conducted. The characteristics of the shock interactions are investigated for four different length between the two ramp kinks, corresponding to L-c = 0.9 delta(ref), 1.8 delta(ref), 2.7 delta(ref), and 3.6 delta(ref) (delta(ref) being the upstream turbulent boundary layer thickness). The influence of increasing L-c on flow structures, unsteadiness, Reynolds stress, turbulence kinetic energy, and Reynolds stress anisotropy tensor is assessed. The size of the separation region is significantly decreased and reattached flow appears between the two ramp kinks. Streamwise vorticity contours and streamline curvature show the decreased spanwise width and increased spanwise coherency of Gortler-like vortices. Analysis of fluctuating wall pressure indicates that the low-frequency unsteadiness is strongly suppressed in the interaction region. Profiles of Reynolds stress components and turbulence kinetic energy exhibit different turbulence evolution across the interaction, leading to substantial differences observed in the anisotropy invariant map. It is found that the near wall region is characterized by decreased anisotropy, becoming closer to the axisymmetric compression state, while a significant increase of turbulence is identified in the outer region, following the axisymmetric expansion limit. Moreover, downstream of the interaction, turbulence in the near-wall region experiences a faster recovery and the influence of L-c is found to be marginal. The main effect of L-c is observed in the outer region, an increase of L-c resulting in a monotonic decay of turbulence intensities and an inward movement of turbulent structures.

Automated summary

This study investigates the shock wave and supersonic turbulent boundary layer interaction in a double compression ramp with fixed ramp angles at Mach 2.9 through direct numerical simulations. The research reveals that increasing the distance between the two ramp kinks can significantly reduce the size of the separation region and affect flow structures, turbulence properties, etc.