A mathematical model capable of predicting the shock and flow structure of turbulent, underexpanded jets is described. The model is based on solutions of the fluid flow equations obtained using a second-order accurate, finite-volume integration scheme together with an adaptive grid algorithm. Closure of these equations is achieved using a k-ε turbulence model coupled to the compressible dissipation rate correction proposed by Sarkar et al. (1991a). Extending earlier work which demonstrated the ability of this model to predict the structure of moderately underexpanded jets, the present paper compares model predictions and experimental data, reported in the literature, on a number of highly underexpanded releases. The results obtained demonstrate that the model yields reliable predictions of shock structure in the near field, inviscid region of such jets, while in the far field results derived using the compressibility corrected turbulence model are adequate for predicting mean flow properties, and are superior to those obtained using a standard k-ε approach.

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A mathematical model capable of predicting the structure of turbulent, underexpanded jets is described. The model is based on solutions of the fluid flow equations obtained using a second-order accurate, finite-volume integration scheme coupled to an adaptive grid algorithm. Turbulence within these jets is modelled using a k-ε approach coupled to the compressible dissipation rate model of Sarkar et al. (1991a). Comparison of model predictions and experimental data, reported in the literature, on a number of moderately underexpanded jets demonstrate significant improvements over results derived using the standard k-ε approach, and the adequacy of the compressibility corrected turbulence model for predicting such jets.