Influence of corner angle in streamwise supersonic corner flow

Abstract

We use the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with a full Reynolds stress model (RSM) to study the effect of the corner angle in supersonic corner flow. RANS data are compared to reference direct numerical simulation of fully developed a square duct flow, which support predictive capability of secondary flows from Stress-ω RSM. We then carry out a parametric study by changing the corner angle in the range θ=45°–135°, focusing on the effect on the mean streamwise and secondary flow. The maximum strength of the secondary flows of about 0.015u∞ occurs for θ=90°, which is similar to what is found in fully developed square ducts. Secondary eddies have approximately unit aspect ratio, and they maintain their shape for different corner angles by translating in the direction parallel to the closest wall. As a result, the position of the vortex center can be described by a simple geometrical transformation of the wall-parallel coordinate. We find that small corner angles are responsible for locally relaminarization flow at the corner, but otherwise the mean streamwise velocity profiles transformed according to van Driest following the canonical law-of-the-wall.