Three-dimensional characteristics of crossing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction in a double fin with and without micro-ramp control

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) interactions between crossing shock waves and a turbulent boundary layer (CSWBLI) inside a symmetric double fin are experimentally studied using nanoparticle-based planar laser scattering, supersonic particle image velocimetry, and surface oil visualization. The possibility of controlling the separated flow generated by CSWBLI is considered by employing micro-ramp vortex generators. First, the fractal dimension, velocity profile, and logarithmic law of the incoming turbulent boundary layer at Mach number 2.8 are examined. Then, the flow structure and velocity distribution, which have seldom been presented in previous experiments, are measured in high resolution. The 3D behavior of the boundary layer after CSWBLI shows that the boundary layer becomes thicker behind the shock wave and converges toward the symmetry plane of the double fin. The converged effect contributes to the largest thickness of the boundary layer in the symmetry plane accompanied with a separation region near the wall. Introduction of seven equidistant micro-ramps upstream of the double fin is proved to suppress the separation region, where the arc-like vortices generated by the middle micro-ramps are found to be more sustainable along the streamwise direction. The micro-ramps can increase the momentum exchange between the boundary layer and the surrounding mainstream. At the same time, the momentum exchange induced by the micro-ramps decreases the flow velocity outside the converged region in comparison with the configuration without micro-ramps. The results obtained in this paper can provide an experimental insight into the 3D physical phenomena existing in the CSWBLI and its flow control.