Dual-code solution procedure for efficient computing equilibrium hypersonic axisymmetric transitional/turbulent flows

Abstract

An appropriate combination of the thin-layer Navier–Stokes (TLNS) and parabolized Navier–Stokes (PNS) solvers is used to accurately and efficiently compute hypersonic transitional/turbulent flowfields of perfect gas and equilibrium air around blunt-body configurations. The TLNS equations are solved in the nose region to provide the initial data plane needed for the solution of the PNS equations. Then the PNS equations are employed to efficiently compute the flowfield for the afterbody region by using a space marching technique. Both the TLNS and the PNS equations are numerically solved by using the implicit non-iterative finite-difference algorithm of Beam and Warming. A shock fitting procedure is used in both the TLNS and PNS codes to obtain accurate solution in the vicinity of the shock. For turbulent flow simulations, both the Cebeci–Smith (CS) and the Baldwin–Lomax (BL) turbulence models are analyzed with the present technique for the case of long slender blunt bodies. The Baldwin–Lomax turbulence model, which does not need the determination of the edge of the boundary layer, is modified in the present work to include the effects of variable properties and damping factor to accurately calculate flowfield characteristics in turbulent regions. Detailed comparisons are made with other numerical and experimental results to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the present solution procedure for computing hypersonic transitional/turbulent flows over long slender blunt bodies. The results of these computations are found to be in good agreement with available data. The effects of real gas on the flowfield characteristics are also studied.