Computational study of supersonic turbulent-separated flows using partially averaged Navier-stokes method

Abstract

Separation commonly exists in the flows around flight vehicles and also in the internal combustor flows. Simulation of high-speed turbulent-separated flows using a reliable computational design tool is crucial for the development of supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. In this paper, we present the computational results of supersonic base and ramped-cavity flows at high Reynolds numbers using the partially averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS) method. The current PANS models are based on the Menter SST turbulence model and also the Wilcox k-ω model. Results from PANS simulations are compared in detail with the available experimental data. The effect of the resolution control parameter fk (the ratio of unresolved-to-total kinetic energy) relevant to the PANS method is investigated. More turbulent flow structures are resolved as expected with decreasing fk, but it does not mean better results can be obtained. Spatially varying and dynamically updated fk in PANS simulations has been performed. Results from variable fk PANS simulations show good agreement with the experiment and great improvement when compared to Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) computation and constant fk PANS simulations.