Direct numerical simulation of supersonic internal flow in a model scramjet combustor under a non-reactive condition

Abstract

A Mach 1.5 non-reactive flow in a cavity-stabilized combustor of a model scramjet is studied via a direct-numerical simulation approach, and the analysis is focused on the interaction among boundary layer, free shear-layer above the cavity and shock wave. It is found that the impingement of the free shear-layer on the aft wall of the cavity leads to strong turbulence kinetic energy, high local pressure, and a fan of compression waves. The compression waves evolve into an oblique shock, which reflects between the upper and lower walls and interacts with the boundary layers attached to the two walls. The analysis of the turbulence production reveals that the amplification of turbulence in the core of the shear-layer and around the reattachment point is mainly due to the shear production, but the deceleration production mechanism presents a significant impact in the regions above the aft wall of the cavity and around the shock interaction points. The very low frequency commonly observed in shock wave/boundary layer interactions is not observed in the present research, which might be due to the low Reynolds number of the studied case.