Transition model for high-speed flow

Abstract

A transition model for low-speed flows has previously been developed by Young et al. which incorporates first-mode (Tollmien-Schlichting) disturbance information from linear stability theory. The present work extends the model to high-speed flows by incorporating the effects of second-mode disturbances. The transition model is incorporated into a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver with a one-equation turbulence model. Results using a variable turbulent Prandtl number approach demonstrate that the current model accurately reproduces available experimental data for first- and second-mode dominated transitional flows. The performance of the present model shows significant improvement over previous transition modeling attempts.