Application of a solution adaptive grid to flow over an embedded cavity

Anthony Linn Thornton, Purdue University

Abstract

The effect of a surface discontinuity (e.g. gaps, notches, cavities, etc.) on the local flowfield over flight vehicles has been an area of interest to researchers in fluid mechanics for many years. The most relevant problems relating to cavity flow include determining the effect the surface defect has on the local pressure and drag. A multivariable adaptive grid technique was developed to resolve the essential viscous and inviscid flow features in a compressible flow problem. The adaptive methodology, although one-dimensional in nature, assists in equally distributing the solution error throughout the flowfield. The adaptive scheme was applied to the steady "open" cavity configuration in which the dividing streamline spans the length of the cavity. The analysis involves the numerical solution of the 2-D, compressible Navier-Stokes equations using the method of Beam and Warming. The goal of this investigation was to develop an understanding, both qualitative and quantitative, of the dominant flow features in the neighborhood of small gaps and notches embedded in a laminar supersonic boundary layer. The results of this research provide a clearer understanding of the effects of Reynolds number on the wall shear stress and pressure distribution within an open cavity in laminar, supersonic flow.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Williams, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Aerospace materials

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