Computational Plasma & Reactive Flow Lab — Masters Theses
 Comparison between 1988 and 2008 Wilcox $\boldsymbol{k\omega}$ models for flows characteristic of supersonic flight
This thesis presents numerical results obtained with the WARP code comparing the performance of the 2008 Wilcox $k\omega$ turbulence model to the one of the 1988 Wilcox $k\omega$ turbulence model for flows characteristic of supersonic flight. A comparison with experimental data is offered for a shockwave/turbulent boundary layer interaction case and two ramp injector mixing cases. Furthermore, a comparison is performed with empirical correlations on the basis of skin friction for flow over a flat plate and shear layer growth for a free shear layer. It is found that the maximum injectant mass fraction of some ramp injector cases is better predicted using the 1988 Wilcox turbulence model setting turbulent Schmidt number of 0.25. On the other hand, the 2008 Wilcox model performs better in simulating shockwave/turbulent boundary layer interaction cases. [ ]
MH Kim, B Parent, “Comparison between Wilcox $k\omega$ turbulence models for supersonic flows”, KSAS Journal, Vol. 40, No. 5, 2012, pp. 375-384. [ ]
 Effect of N$_\boldsymbol{2}$ Vibrational Energy in Supersonic Flows
This thesis analyses the effect of N$_2$ vibrational energy using WARP code by comparing the results for the models without vibrational energy, for flow characteristics of high speed flight. A comparison with analytical results is shown here to assess the performance of vibrational relaxation rate and the vibrational energy models. In the thesis a separate section is alloted to discuss about different relaxation rate empirical models and comparison between the models. Furthermore, in the thesis flow over blunt body is presented to show the major impact of N$_2$ vibrational energy in high speed flight. Models with N$_2$ vibrational energy shows a different thermal energy redistribution than the model without N$_2$ vibrational energy. The case presents a full vibrational nonequilibrium and a significant impact in pressure and temperature profile over the blunt body. [ ]
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