Weapons System Flow Separation

We propose a collaborative effort between IllinoisRocstar LLC and the University of Illinois to develop validated computional tools to assess flow separation in advanced weapon systems. The initial application of the simulation system will be an aft-end jet thruster in a supersonic regime. High-fidelity, unsteady, and three-dimensional simulations will be conducted using the proprietary framework Rocstar. The computational framework includes a compressible flow solver with advanced LES turbulence models and has flexibility sufficient to investigate a variety of configurations under widely varying conditions. At the conclusion of Phase I, we will have completed a study assessing Rocstar capabilities, including (i) simulating coupled jet-interaction and base flow, (ii) validating Rocstar for the case of a jet injected into a supersonic crossflow using published experimental data, (iii) shown initial results for plume-induced flow separation for a blunt body, and (iii) shown initial results for plume-induced flow separation including a thruster for a blunt body. A validation matrix, including a variety of geometries, for assessment during Phase II will be developed. Existing data will be collected where available, and experiments proposed for collecting data where gaps exist. Finally, methods for reducing flow separation will be proposed.