Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes study of the shock-buffet instability mechanism

Michael Iovnovich, Daniella E. Raveh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A study of shock-buffet onset and instability mechanism via Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations on several airfoils is presented. The numerical setup and the Spalart-Almaras turbulence closure are validated based on wind tunnel data from NACA 0012 and RA16SC1 airfoils. The paper presents simulations of the flow past three airfoils, the subsonic NACA 0012, the supercritical RA16SC1, and the thin, transonic/supersonic NACA 64A204, at pre- and post-buffet conditions, and within a cycle of developed shock-buffet. The shock-buffet cycle is found to be similar in nature for all airfoils, originating in unstable interaction of the shock and the separation bubble. Simulation results support the notion that buffet onset is not related to the bursting of the separation bubble behind the shock. Shock-buffet categorizing is posited as a transonic pre-stall instability phenomenon that depends on the shock strength and location. Shock-buffet onset conditions occur when the shock position is behind and sufficiently close to the zero upper-surface maximum camber location, while offset conditions are when the shock is at an upstream location, and the flow aft of it is fully separated.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: 4 Apr 20117 Apr 2011

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference

Conference

Conference52nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period4/04/117/04/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Architecture

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