Numerical Study of the Subsonic Base Flow with a Side Support

Abstract

Abstract The base flow of a generic rocket model is investigated numerically with different levels of turbulence modelling. At the nominal flow conditions, the comparison with the experiments shows significant deviations in the vertical plane where a side support stands as well as the base pressure distribution. A simulation of the open test section is presented, which indicates on the one hand a correction of the measured pressure values and on the other hand a angle of attack modification in comparing the DES results with the experimental values. Based on both correction the DES results agree well with the experiment. A strong sensitivity towards small angles of attack has been observed in the experiments but not in respective RANS solutions. Although no variation of the angle of attack has been performed with a DES, the DES seems to capture this sensitivity.