Numerical Simulation of Underexpanded Sonic Jet

Abstract

Underexpanded sonic jet is numerically simulated using commercial CFD software. Three dimensional Navier Stokes equations alongwith two equation turbulence models are solved. Computed centerline distribution and profiles of various flow variables at various axial stations agree quantitatively with experimental results. The comparison of the flow variables computed with four different two equation models reveals that k - e and RNG k - e models perform very well in predicting both pressure and temperature throughout the flow filed; whereas SST and k - w models fail to predict the flow behavior beyond the first Mach disc.