Application of the Re-theta Transition Model in High Speed Flows

Abstract

The prediction of boundary layer transition in high-speed flows plays a crucial role in the design of hypersonic vehicles. The paper contains a detailed description of a correlation-based transition model using local variables, namely the Langtry-Menter transition model. The model was implemented into DLR-TAU code and tested for hypersonic test cases obtained by other partners. Discussions of the physical background as well as the fundamental understanding of the main variables, correlations and functions inside the model are provided. Test results show that direct applications of the model for high-speed flows can capture hypersonic transition. For the blunted double ramp case, the present model can accurately predict the transition process. However, for the shock impingement cases with assigned sharp leading edges, the present model tends to over-estimate the heat flux by over 30% than the experimental data. This suggests a further detailed study of both numerical and experimental settings.