Influence of an entropy layer on the formation of Goertler vortices in a hypersonic flow

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Herbert Olivier
• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239427652

Low thermal loads in the stagnation region of e.g. winged reentry or hypersonic vehicles require blunted leading edges at wings or rudders. The convective heat flux in the stagnation region transferred from the flow to the body reduces with increasing leading edge radius. But blunt leading edges also generate entropy layers which interact with the boundary layer. Certain changes of the body surface shape lead to boundary layer separation like e.g. at deflected control surfaces. In the reattachment region so-called Goertler vortices establish with a vortex axis being oriented in downstream direction. In lateral direction this leads to a periodic flow pattern with local heating peaks at the stagnation region of two neighbouring vortices. The aim of the present project is to study the yet unknown influence of an entropy layer on the formation of Goertler vortices. The main parameter of the entropy layer and the free shear layer influencing the formation of the Görtler vortices should be identified. Based on experimental and numerical results, the quantitative dependence of the wavelength and peak heating of the Goertler vortices on these parameters will be described.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Russia
• Participating Institution: Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI); Zhukovsky
• Partner Organisation: Russian Foundation for Basic Research