Oblique shock control with steady flexible panels
File(s)2019-08-J058933.R1 - accepted version.pdf (7.76 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Gomez-Vega, Nicolas
Gramola, Michela
Bruce, Paul JK
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Flexible panels deforming under pressure loads have been suggested as a passive form of adaptive oblique shock control. This study investigates oblique shock–boundary-layer interactions on a steady flexible panel in a Mach 2.0 flow. Experiments were performed in the Imperial College supersonic wind tunnel, where shock generators were used to produce an oblique shock followed by a corner expansion. A parametric study was conducted, exploring different shock impingement positions and shock–expansion distances. The steady aerostructural response is studied using schlieren photography, static pressure distributions, photogrammetry measurements, and surface oil flow visualization. Two-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to assess the effects of the flexible panel on downstream total pressure recovery. These were validated against experimental wall pressure distributions and measurements from a Pitot rake. Results show reductions in both separation length (of up to 40%) and stagnation pressure losses (of up to 10%) if the flexible plate is used. These improvements occur for a range of shock positions spanning approximately 50% of the panel length and for all the shock–expansion distances considered. A model that captures the flow physics responsible for these trends is proposed. The results highlight the potential of flexible panels for practical oblique shock control.
Date Issued
2020-02-28
Date Acceptance
2020-02-02
Citation
AIAA Journal, 2020, 58 (5), pp.2109-2121
ISSN
0001-1452
Publisher
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Start Page
2109
End Page
2121
Journal / Book Title
AIAA Journal
Volume
58
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2020 by Nicolas Gomez-Vega, Michela Gramola, and Paul J. K. Bruce. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission. All requests for copying and permission to reprint should be submitted to CCC at www.copyright.com; employ the eISSN 1533-385X to initiate your request. See also AIAA Rights and Permissions www.aiaa.org/randp.
Identifier
https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.J058933
Subjects
0901 Aerospace Engineering
0905 Civil Engineering
0913 Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace & Aeronautics
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-02-28