Theoretical considerations on shock reflections and their implications on the evaluation of air intake performance

Abstract.

Many theoretical studies have shown the existence of a hysteresis effect in the solution of oblique shock reflections. In fact, a wide domain of free-stream Mach number and shock angle values exists where regular reflection and Mach reflection are both possible solutions for the same flow conditions. Part of this domain overlaps the typical operating conditions of supersonic air intakes, and therefore it is of practical interest to obtain a deeper understanding of the theoretical problem. Indeed, although both solutions are theoretically possible, they yield very different flowfields and consequently large discrepancies in the evaluation of the air intake performance. Numerical solutions for steady configurations have been carried out and compared with the flow evolution obtained for time-dependent cases. The results have confirmed numerically the existence of the multiple solution domain where hysteresis takes place in time-dependent simulations. The analysis of the physical and numerical problems encountered has provided indications for a correct simulation in practical applications.