Triple-deck solutions for supersonic flows past flared cylinders

Abstract

Using the method of matched asymptotic expansions, the interaction between axisymmetric laminar boundary layers and supersonic external flows is investigated in the limit of large Reynolds numbers. Numerical solutions to the interaction equations are presented for flare angles α that are moderately large. If α > 0 the boundary layer separates upstream of the corner and the formation of a plateau structure similar to the two-dimensional case is observed. In contrast to the case of planar flow, however, separation can occur also if α < 0, owing to the axisymmetric effect of overexpansion and recompression. The separation point then is located downstream of the corner and, most remarkable, a hysteresis phenomenon is observed.