Experimental and Computational Study of Flow Interactions in a Generic Scramjet Inlet-Isolator

摘要

Complex flow interactions are observed on the external and internal part of a generic scramjet inlet-isolator. The interactions can be captured qualitatively by the colour schlieren method but quantitative characterisation of the flow proved to be a problem. The discreet pressure transducer is invasive and cannot be placed in sufficient amount to fully capture the complex flow topology. With the help of numerical simulation, the gap in quantitative data could be filled without much difficulty. However, as observed in the pressure plot in all three cases, CFD could easily fit the discreet kulite readings but some disagreement occurs when compared to the more global reading of PSP. Nevertheless, CFD still provide crucial quantitative flow prediction as complex geometry of the inlet obstructed the PSP reading with shadows and non-see-through components. Thus it is concluded in this analysis that kulite, PSP and CFD must be presented together for a more convincing characterisation of a scramjet inlet-isolator.