Effects of Inflow Mach Number and Step Height on Supersonic Flows over a Backward-Facing Step

Abstract

The backward-facing step is practically implicated in many devices, encountering the massive separation flows. In the present study, simulations of supersonic flow over a backward-facing step have been carried out employing both RANS and LES. The simulated results are validated against the experimental data. The results of RANS and LES show a good comparison with the experimental results. Different inflow Mach numbers and expansion ratios are also investigated. The reattachment length decreases with the increase of inflow Mach number. The duct height has a great effect on the flow patterns. The present conclusions are helpful to understand the physics in supersonic separation flows and also provide theory basis for engineering applications.