Evolution characteristics of streamwise vortex of crossing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction

Abstract

The streamwise vortex generated by crossing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction seriously affects the performance of the hypersonic inlet. The shock structure, vortex core, and vortex intensity in the flowfields of weak, moderate and strong strength interaction are investigated experimentally and numerically at Mach 2.95. The evolution characteristics of the streamwise vortex are explored. The reflection and intersection of shock waves in the interaction flowfield divide the evolution process of the streamwise vortex into four stages. The typical conical vortex evolutes into two vortexes. The vortex close to the symmetric plane further evolutes into two vortexes in the weak and strong strength flowfields. A separated flow from the focus on the flat plate produces a new streamwise vortex in the strong strength flowfield. The streamwise vortex core trace is almost parallel to the symmetric plane after the pair of streamwise vortexes collide at the symmetric plane. The vorticity intensity of the streamwise vortex increases and then decreases along the flow direction, which is greatly influenced by the interaction strength.