Direct numerical simulation of hypersonic turbulent boundary layers. Part 1. Initialization and comparison with experiments

Abstract

A systematic procedure for initializing supersonic and hypersonic turbulent boundary layers at controlled Mach number and Reynolds number conditions is described. The initialization is done by locally transforming a true direct numerical simulation flow field, and results in a nearly realistic initial magnitude of turbulent fluctuations, turbulence structure and energy distribution. The time scales necessary to forget the initial condition are studied. The experimental conditions of previous studies are simulated. The magnitude of velocity and temperature fluctuations, as well as the turbulent shear stresses given by the direct numerical simulations are in agreement with the experimental data.