Numerical simulation of a three-dimensional flame/shock wave interaction

A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver for chemically reacting flows is u sed to study the structure of a supersonic hydrogen-air dame stabilized in a Mach 2.4 rectangular cross-section wind tunnel. The numerical model uses a 9-species, 21-reaction hydrogen oxidation mechanism and employs Menter's hybrid k-omega/k-epsilon turbulence model. An assumed probability density f unction is used to account for the effects of turbulent temperature fluctua tions on the ensemble-averaged chemical reaction rates. Results are present ed for a configuration studied at the University of Michigan in which the e ffects of wedge-generated shock waves on dame stability were determined. Co mputed pitot and static pressure profiles are compared with experimental me asurements, and axial density gradient contour plots are compared with expe rimental schlieren photographs. The highly three-dimensional structure of t he flame is described in detail, and stabilization mechanisms are discussed .