Supersonic Retropropulsion Computational Fluid Dynamics Validation with Langley Foot Test Data

Abstract

Validation of computational fluid dynamics for supersonic retropropulsion is shown through the comparison of three Navier–Stokes solvers and wind-tunnel test results. The test was designed specifically for computational fluid dynamics validation and was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center supersonic foot Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The test includes variations in the number of nozzles, Mach and Reynolds numbers, thrust coefficient, and angles of orientation. Code-to-code and code-to-test comparisons are encouraging, and possible error sources are discussed.