Three-dimensional shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions generated by a sharp fin at Mach 4

This paper describes a combined experimental and theoretical study of three-dimensional swept shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interactions at Mach 4 generated by a sharp fin of angles alpha equals 16 and 20 degrees. The theoretical model is the three-dimensional compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence incorporated through the algebraic eddy viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax. Previous computations have been performed by Horstman using the Baldwin-Lomax, Cebeci-Smith and Jones Launder models. Computed results for the surface pressure, skin friction and streamline angles are compared with experiment and previous numerical results. The present results display good agreement with experimental data for surface pressure and surface flow direction. All turbulence models fail to accurately predict the peak skin friction. The computed flowfields are in agreement with many of the features of the quasi-conical flowfield model of Settles.