Microvortex Generators Applied to a Flowfield Containing a Normal Shock Wave and Diffuser

Abstract

The flow through a terminating shock wave and the subsequent subsonic diffuser typically found in supersonic inlets has been simulated using a small-scale wind tunnel. Experiments have been conducted at an inflow Mach number of 1.4 using a dual-channel working section to produce a steady near-normal shock wave. The setup was designed so that the location of the shock wave could be varied relative to the diffuser. As the near-normal shock wave was moved downstream and into the diffuser, an increasingly distorted, three-dimensional, and separated flow was observed. Compared with the interaction of a normal shock wave in a constant area duct, the addition of the diffuser resulted in more prominent corner interactions. Microvortex generators were added to determine their potential for removing flow separation. Although these devices were found to reduce the extent of separation, they significantly increased three-dimensionality and even led to a large degree of flow asymmetry in some configurations.

An improved micro-vortex generator in supersonic flows

“…Traditional vortex generators [4] which have the same order of magnitude with boundary layer thickness have been used in supersonic flow control for a long time. Researchers subsequently found that vortex generators which have smaller scale than boundary layer thickness have the advantage of smaller resistance while maintaining the ability of flow control [5,6]. In recent years, microvortex generators have obtained the full attention and development [7][8][9].…”

Micro Vortex Generators for Boundary Layer Control: Principles and Applications

“…In the follow-up study of Titchener & Babinsky [48], a shock holder was installed above the expansion corner in order to stabilize the normal shock wave. The Mach number was changed to Ma=1.4 and the shock wave was positioned exactly at the entrance of the expansion corner.…”

Decay of the supersonic turbulent wakes from micro-ramps

“…A number of baseline experimental studies have been carried out to investigate the effectiveness of MVGs towards SWBLI involving oblique or normal shock waves [7][8][9] and positive effects were confirmed.…”