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Three-Minute Thesis

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Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of Supersonic cavity flow is presented. Supersonic cavity flows are characterized by complex interactions between shear-layer instabilities, shock waves, and acoustic feedback mechanisms that produce strong pressure oscillations. Accurate prediction of these phenomena remains a major challenge for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) due to the limitations of conventional turbulence models. In this study, hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes and Large-Eddy Simulation (RANS–LES) approaches are applied to investigate the unsteady flow behavior in a Mach 2 ramp–cavity configuration. The performance of the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) model is evaluated against traditional RANS models in predicting shear-layer dynamics, vortex shedding, and pressure fluctuations within the cavity. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional computational domains are constructed to represent a canonical ramp–cavity geometry with representative length-to-depth ratios commonly found in high-speed propulsion systems. The numerical simulations resolve the formation and evolution of shear-layer vortices and capture the dominant Rossiter modes associated with cavity resonance. Results demonstrate that the hybrid RANS–LES framework significantly improves the prediction of unsteady flow structures compared to conventional RANS models, while maintaining computational efficiency relative to full LES simulations. The study highlights the ability of hybrid turbulence modeling to capture shock–shear layer interaction and pressure oscillations in supersonic cavity flows. These findings provide a robust numerical framework for the simulation of high-speed aerodynamic systems such as scramjet combustors and weapon bays.

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Apr 23rd, 1:00 PM Apr 23rd, 4:00 PM

Investigation of Hybrid Turbulence Methods for Predicting Flow Oscillations in Supersonic Ramp–Cavity

Three-Minute Thesis

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of Supersonic cavity flow is presented. Supersonic cavity flows are characterized by complex interactions between shear-layer instabilities, shock waves, and acoustic feedback mechanisms that produce strong pressure oscillations. Accurate prediction of these phenomena remains a major challenge for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) due to the limitations of conventional turbulence models. In this study, hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes and Large-Eddy Simulation (RANS–LES) approaches are applied to investigate the unsteady flow behavior in a Mach 2 ramp–cavity configuration. The performance of the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) model is evaluated against traditional RANS models in predicting shear-layer dynamics, vortex shedding, and pressure fluctuations within the cavity. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional computational domains are constructed to represent a canonical ramp–cavity geometry with representative length-to-depth ratios commonly found in high-speed propulsion systems. The numerical simulations resolve the formation and evolution of shear-layer vortices and capture the dominant Rossiter modes associated with cavity resonance. Results demonstrate that the hybrid RANS–LES framework significantly improves the prediction of unsteady flow structures compared to conventional RANS models, while maintaining computational efficiency relative to full LES simulations. The study highlights the ability of hybrid turbulence modeling to capture shock–shear layer interaction and pressure oscillations in supersonic cavity flows. These findings provide a robust numerical framework for the simulation of high-speed aerodynamic systems such as scramjet combustors and weapon bays.

 

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