Improvement and application of local-variable-based transition models to complex three-dimensional configurations

Abstract

The hypersonic local-correlation-based transition modeling (LCTM) and amplification factor transport (AFT) transition models are extended to crossflow-induced transitions and applied to three-dimensional hypersonic vehicles. A new crossflow Reynolds number correlation is proposed and implanted to an existing hypersonic LCTM to extend it to take account of the crossflow effect. In the hypersonic AFT model, a new transport equation is added to predict the transported crossflow amplification factor. The two improved transition models are first validated using the HIFiRE-5 configuration. The results demonstrate that both transition models predict the transition on HIFiRE-5 with reasonable accuracy. Next, the two models are applied to the X-51A forebody and the X-33 vehicle. The results show that both models are capable of predicting transition behaviors and aeroheating environments on hypersonic complex geometries. The two models also provide reasonable reflections of the effects of various factors that influence transition, including the freestream Reynolds number, turbulence level, and angle of attack.