On subsonic near-wake flows of a space launcher configuration with various base geometries

Abstract

Buffet/buffeting as load imposing mechanism on the base structures of space launcher has been of strong interest ever since it was found as partially responsible for the failed flight 157 of Ariane 5. Several studies suggested that the base region is most excited at Mach 0.8. A preceding study of the current series on base flow effects revealed a differing excitation in comparison to the other subsonic Mach number cases. It featured an especially pronounced excitation in the recirculation region. Thus, the current work attempts to answer the question why this case appears to be distinct. This is done by decreasing the relative nozzle length and focusing on the Reynolds stress distribution. The research question is approached by experiments in the Vertical Test Section Cologne (VMK) on a base model with supersonic, over-expanded exhaust jet exposed to an ambient flow at Mach 0.8 and a Reynolds number of 1.4x10^6 . Data are acquired by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and high-speed schlieren imaging. The results reveal that a most unfavorable configuration appears to exist, which is if the mean shear layer reattachment takes place just on the tip of the nozzle.