Numerical Simulations of Effects of Micro Vortex Generators Using Immersed-Boundary Methods

Abstract

This work presents an immersed-boundary technique for compressible, turbulent flows and applies the technique to simulate the effects of micro vortex generators in controlling oblique-shock/turbulent boundary-layer interactions. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, closed using the Menter k-ω turbulence model, are solved in conjunction with the immersed-boundary technique. The approach is validated by comparing solutions obtained using the immersed-boundary technique with solutions obtained on a body-fitted mesh and with experimental laser Doppler anemometry data collected at Cambridge University for Mach 2.5 flow over single micro vortex generators. Simulations of an impinging oblique-shock boundary-layer interaction at Mach 2.5 with and without micro vortex-generator flow control are also performed, considering the development of the flow in the entire wind tunnel. Comparisons are made with experimental laser Doppler anemometry data and surface-pressure measurements from Cambridge University and an analysis of the flow structure is performed. The results show that three dimensional effects initiated by the interaction of the oblique shock with the sidewall boundary layers significantly influence the flow patterns in the actual experiment. The general features of the interactions with and without the micro vortex-generator array are predicted to good accord by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/ immersed-boundary model.