Supersonic separation with obstructions

Abstract

The complex problem of the supersonic flow along a flat plate as it interacts with the blunt obstructions has recieved considerable attention. The presence of a blunt obstruction in supersonic flow causes the formation of a bow shock wave ahead of the obstruction. The adverse pressure gradient resulting from the bow shock wave propagates upstream in the subsonic flow within the boundary layer and results in the separation of the boundary layer and formation of vortices ahead of the obstruction. These vortices scavenge the boundary layers leading to increased pressures and heat transfer loads. Our attempts are made to correlate the separation distance S, which is defined as the distance from the leading edge of the obstacle to the primary separation line, ahead of the obstacle to the primary separation line, ahead of the obstacle to the height H of the obstacle.