HYPERSONIC FLOW PAST OPEN CAVITIES

The hypersonic flow over a cavity is investigated. The time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically sloved. An implic it algorithm, with a subiteration procedure to recover time accuracy, is used to perform the time-accurate computations. The objective of th e study is to investigate the effects of Reynolds number and cavity di mensions. The comparison of the computations with available experiment al data, in terms of time mean static pressure, heat transfer, and Mac h number, show good agreement. In the computations large vortex struct ures, which adversely affect the cavity flow characteristics, are obse rved at the rear of the cavity. A self-sustained oscillatory motion oc curs within the cavity over a range of Reynolds number and cavity dime nsions. The frequency spectra of the oscillations show good agreement with a modified semiempirical relation.