Two-and three-dimensional numerical simulations of supersonic ramped inlet

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of an external compression supersonic ramped inlet are presented for a free stream Mach number of 2. A comparison made between numerical results and experimental data showed that multi-block structured gird using standard k - " turbulence model gives acceptable results. The shape of present inlet diffuser was transformed gradually into a circular one to encompass the Aerodynamic Interface Plane (AIP). It was observed that the 3D simulation predicted a more accurate static pressure distribution during the length of supersonic inlet and total pressure distribution at the AIP in comparison with the 2D one. Further, a better estimation of Shock Boundary Layer Interaction (SBLI), shock structure, and turbulent ow was predicted by the 3D simulation. It appears that even though the 2D simulation scheme is widely used, it is a very weak method with low accuracy, while the 3D simulation is more accurate and gives a detailed ow field. Therefore, the 3D numerical simulation must be applied to the cases where a detailed ow study along with an accurate prediction of ow parameters as well as the shock structure is required.