Supersonic flow unsteadiness induced by control surface deflections

Abstract

Control surface deployment in a supersonic flow has many applications, including flow control, mixing, and body-force regulation. The extent of control surface deflections introduces varying flow unsteadiness. The resulting fluid dynamics influence the downstream flow characteristics and fluid–structure interactions significantly. In order to understand the gas dynamics, an axisymmetric cylindrical body with a sharp-tip cone at zero angles of attack ([Formula: see text]) is examined in a free stream Mach number of [Formula: see text] and Reynolds number of [Formula: see text] ( D =  50 mm). Four static control surface deflection angles ([Formula: see text] rad) are considered around the base body. The cases are computationally investigated through a commercial flow solver adopting a two-dimensional detached eddy simulation strategy. Recirculation bubble length, drag coefficient's variation, wall-static pressure statistics, acoustic loading on the model and the surroundings, x − t trajectory and x − f spectral analysis, pressure fluctuation's correlation coefficient on the model, and modal analysis are obtained to understand the flow unsteadiness. At [Formula: see text], the wall-static pressure fluctuations behind the control surface are minimal and periodic, with a mere acoustic load of about 50 dB. At [Formula: see text], a violent periodic fluctuation erupted everywhere around the control surface, leading to a higher acoustic load of about 150 dB (three times higher than the previous). For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], high-frequency fluctuations with small- and large-scale structures continuously shed along the reattaching shear layer, thereby causing a broadened spectra in the control surface wake.