Direct numerical simulation of supersonic boundary layers over a microramp: effect of the Reynolds number

Abstract

Microvortex generators are passive control devices smaller than the boundary layer thickness that energise the boundary layer to prevent flow separation with limited induced drag. In this work, we use direct numerical simulations (DNS) to investigate the effect of the Reynolds number in a supersonic turbulent boundary layer over a microramp vortex generator. Three friction Reynolds numbers are considered, up to $Re_\tau = 2000$ , for fixed free stream Mach number $M_\infty =2$ and fixed relative height of the ramp with respect to the boundary layer thickness. The high-fidelity data set sheds light on the instantaneous and highly three-dimensional organisation of both the wake and the shock waves induced by the microramp. The full access to the flow field provided by DNS allows us to develop a qualitative model of the near wake, explaining the internal convolution of the Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices around the low-momentum region behind the ramp. The overall analysis shows that numerical results agree excellently with recent experimental measurements in similar operating conditions and confirms that microramps effectively induce a significantly fuller boundary layer even far downstream of the ramp. Moreover, results highlight significant Reynolds number effects, which in general do not scale with the ramp height. Increasing Reynolds number leads to enhanced coherence of the typical vortical structures in the field, faster and stronger development of the momentum deficit region, increased upwash between the primary vortices from the sides of the ramp – and thus increased lift-up of the wake – and faster transfer of momentum towards the wall.