A turbulence model study of separated 3D jet/afterbody flow

Abstract

Three-dimensional RANS calculations and comparisons with experimental data are presented for subsonic and transonic flow past a non-axisymmetric (rectangular) nozzle/afterbody typical of those found in fast-jet aircraft. The full details of the geometry have been modelled, and the flow domain includes the internal nozzle flow and the jet exhaust plume. The calculations relate to two free-stream Mach numbers of 0-6 and 0-94 and have been performed during the course of a collaborative research programme involving a number of UK universities and industrial organisations. The close interaction between partners contributed greatly to the elimination of computational inconsistencies and to rational decisions on common grids and boundary conditions, based on a range of preliminary computations. The turbulence models used in the study include linear and non-linear eddy-viscosity models. For the lower Mach number case, the flow remains attached and all of the turbulence models yield satisfactory pressure predictions. However, for the higher Mach number, the flow over the afterbody is massively separated, and the effect of turbulence model performance is pronounced. It is observed that non-linear eddy-viscosity modelling provides improved shock capturing and demonstrates significant turbulence anisotropy. Among the linear eddy-viscosity models, the SST model predicts the best surface pressure distributions. The standard k -ε model gives reasonable results, but returns a shock location which is too far downstream and displays a delayed recovery. The flow field inside the jet nozzle is not influenced by turbulence modelling, highlighting the essentially inviscid nature of the flow in this region. However, the resolution of internal shock cells for identical grids is found to be dependent on the solution algorithm -specifically, whether it solves for pressure or density as a main dependent variable. Density-based time-marching schemes are found to return a better resolution of shock reflection. The paper also highlights the urgent need for more detailed experimental data in this type of flow.