Relation Between Geometry and Wake Characteristics of a Supersonic Microramp

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Abstract

Microramp vortex generators are robust, reliable, and simple devices for passively controlling the boundary layer in several aerospace applications. Various past studies have investigated the effectiveness of microramps in controlling the flow separation induced by shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions. Building upon the past knowledge, this paper reports a systematic investigation of the relation between the microramp geometry and the downstream flow characteristics. A simplified flow model of the microramp wake is provided to explain and predict the influence of changing the geometry on the circulation of the primary vortex pair. The model also provides scaling relations for the evolution of the wake characteristics (that is, wake velocity, wake location, and added incompressible momentum), incorporating the effect of all geometry parameters. Extensive experimental data have been used to validate the model.