Analytical model for predicting the length scale of shock/boundary layer interaction with curvature

Abstract

In practical aerodynamic problems, curved shock/boundary layer interaction (CSBLI) is more frequently encountered than the canonical shock/boundary layer interaction (SBLI). Owing to the topological complexity of the flow field brought about by shock curvature, accurate prediction of the interaction length scale of CSBLI is a challenging task. In this work, streamwise and spanwise curvatures are introduced, in turn, with the aim of establishing an analytical model for the interaction length scale of CSBLI based on conservation of mass. The validity and universality of the model are verified, which reveal the impact of the shock curvatures on the interaction, acting as the form of non-uniformity. As an example, the CSBLI with different curvatures is compared, demonstrating that a streamwise curvature of 0.071 will bring a reduction of about 16.5% of the interaction length. The proposed method can be regarded as providing a foundation for further research on CSBLI, opening new perspectives for the investigation of SBLI flow structures.