Integrated CFD and experimental studies of complex injectors in supersonic flows

Abstract

Our purpose in this paper is to present and discuss a tightly integrated and coordinated experimental numerical study of a complex flow. More than that, we hope to show not only the virtues of such an approach in this particular case, but rather to make a strong argument for the proposition that this kind of approach should be the norm, not a rarity. The mere fact that a session on Computational Adjuncts to Experiments is considered unusual or necessary at an AIAA meeting clearly suggests that research programs are planned from the outset in this way far too infrequently. The Introduction contains a quote from G.I Taylor that bears directly on the point above. Then, the flow problem of interest here is described. This is gaseous injection from a complex array of nine flushwall, sonic injectors into supersonic flow. The methods and results of the experimental studies are presented next. Then the methods and results of the computational studies are given. Finally, the conclusions reached on the basis of both studies together are discussed.