Computational modeling of fin induced shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interactions over an axisymmetric surface

Interactions between an oblique shock wave generated by a sharp fin placed on a cylindrical surface and the incoming boundary layer have critical occurrence in several practical platform. However, the resulting flowfield is very complex with multiple non-linear interactions between the fin shock, incoming boundary layer, and 3D relief effects from the surface curvature. Having the ability to predict the resulting flowfield and the variables of interest can make a transformational impact in different topics of interest. Rigorous computational studies are presented to delineate both the surface and off-body flow structures of the fin generated shock boundary layer interactions at a freestream Mach number of 2.5. The fin angle was chosen (20 degrees) such that the resultant shock wave generates a complex separated flow including both primary and secondary separation and reattachment features. RANS framework was adopted for computations to address realistic situations where such vehicle designs are undertaken. Two common turbulence models (−and SA) are presented and the models are implemented using two different solvers (US3D and CFD++) maintaining the same inflow condition. Comparisons are made of the mean surface and off-body quantities between the different models and experimental measurements.