Flexible panels deforming under pressure loads have been suggested as a passive form of adaptive oblique shock control. This study investigates oblique shock–boundary-layer interactions on a steady flexible panel in a Mach 2.0 flow. Experiments were performed in the Imperial College supersonic wind tunnel, where shock generators were used to produce an oblique shock followed by a corner expansion. A parametric study was conducted, exploring different shock impingement positions and shock–expansion distances. The steady aerostructural response is studied using schlieren photography, static pressure distributions, photogrammetry measurements, and surface oil flow visualization. Two-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to assess the effects of the flexible panel on downstream total pressure recovery. These were validated against experimental wall pressure distributions and measurements from a Pitot rake. Results show reductions in both separation length (of up to 40%) and stagnation pressure losses (of up to 10%) if the flexible plate is used. These improvements occur for a range of shock positions spanning approximately 50% of the panel length and for all the shock–expansion distances considered. A model that captures the flow physics responsible for these trends is proposed. The results highlight the potential of flexible panels for practical oblique shock control.
Oblique Shock Control with Steady Flexible Panels
AIAA Journal ; 58 , 5 ; 2109-2121
2020-02-28
13 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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