Similarity of quasiconical shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions

A parametric experimental study is reported on the quasiconical shock/boundary-layer interactions produced by three families of shock generators: sharp fins, semicones, and swept compression corners. The experiments were carried out at Mach 2.95 and Re/m = 6.3 X10 using a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. Over 50 distinct shock generator configurations were considered. The results consist of surface flow patterns, pressure distributions, and flowfield visualizations. An analysis of these results reveals that the interaction characteristics depend primarily on the inviscid shock wave strength and shape. Given similar values of these parameters, conical freeinteraction similarity results even for disparate shock generators. The similarity conditions among fin, semicone, and swept corner interactions are further explored in terms of normal Mach number scaling and flow regime changes with geometry variation.