Navier-Stokes analysis of three-dimensional S-ducts

Full 3D Navier-Stokes computational results are presented for compressible flows within nondiffusing and diffusing S-ducts. The present study provides an understanding of the performance characteristics of typical S-ducts with attached and separated flows and provides a frame of reference for future computational fluid dynamic studies of internal flows with strong secondary flows. The predicted results, which were obtained using both H- and O-grids, are compared with the experimental wall pressures, static and total pressure fields, and velocity vectors. In addition, computed boundary-layer thickness, velocity profiles in wall coordinates and skin friction values are presented. The inviscid contributions to the secondary flows are quantified. The S-duct entrance Mach number was 0.6, and the Reynolds number was 1.76 x 10 exp 6 based on the upstream duct diameter.