Vortical structures and density fluctuations analysis of supersonic forward-facing step controlled by self-sustaining dual synthetic jets

Abstract

Shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) is still one of the unresolved bottlenecks that restrict the development of more advanced flight vehicles. Supersonic forward-facing step (FFS), an extreme case of compression ramp, often occurs severe SWBLIs with a large separation bubble. In this paper, experimental investigations on vortical structures and density fluctuations characteristics of supersonic FFS controlled by self-sustaining dual synthetic jets (SDSJ) are carried out in a Mach number 2.95 wind tunnel. High spatial–temporal resolution flowfield images of FFS without/with active flow control are captured by adopting nano-particle-based planar laser scattering technique. The control effects of the distance between the actuator and the step are mainly compared. The paper finds that the SDSJ can effectively change the feature of flowfield, eliminate the separation shock and the reattachment shock, compel the original shock induced by the step leading edge to distort and reduce its intensity finally. Density fluctuations analysis demonstrates that the whole flows seem to move upstream with the increase of distance (dS-J). Discrete Fourier transformation spectrums results reveal that the fluctuations are mainly located in the low-frequency region at first. High-frequency components and frequency bandwidth increase slightly after the SDSJ are applied.