Parallel numerical simulation of compressible free shear layers in a scramjet engine

Abstract

This paper presents an accurate and reliable numerical method for simulating compressible free shear layers in a scramjet engine. A special attention is focused upon the proper modeling effort of the turbulence and temperature fluctuation effect in the Reynolds-averaged simulations. As the specific turbulence model, a two-equation k — e model is adopted instead of the widely-used algebraic model. To take the temperature fluctuation effect into account, a two-equation type transport model is solved and the modified Arrhenius type reaction rate equation is used. Numerical simulation results for four types of flows typically found in a scramjet engine are shown, and detailed discussion is given about the prediction capability of our numerical code and the critical problems concerning free shear layers in a scramjet engine such as the effect of flow compressibility on the free shear layer growth rate, key factors to affect the flame holding and the effect of turbulence temperature fluctuation on the combustion process.