Three‐dimensional computations of transverse helium jets in a supersonic air flow Available to Purchase

This paper describes a study concerning the numerical simulation of a sonic helium jet through a transverse nozzle in a flat plate exhausting normally into a supersonic air flow. Three‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged Navier—Stokes equations coupled with the modified Baldwin‐Lomax algebraic turbulence model and relevant species equations are solved by using a finite‐volume upwind scheme. In this approach, Roe’s flux function, explicit multi‐stage integration and multi‐block procedure are applied to achieve the steady state solution efficiently. The Roe’s flux function is modified to suit the simulation of helium‐air mixing. The comparison between two‐dimensional calculated results with experimental data of surface pressure shows good agreement. The results of three‐dimensional computations for square, circular and rectangular jets are presented, and the essential flow features including induced shocks, upstream separations, and downstream primary and secondary vortices are adequately simulated.