Investigation of Görtler Vortices on Hypersonic Ramp Configurations

Subject of the present investigation is the numerical simulation of hypersonic flow in the region of the flaps of the NASA/ESA/DLR reentry vehicle X-38, using several ramp configurations at different flow conditions as a model of the flaps, with the help of the DLR CFD code CEVCATS-N. We will be interested in studying more closely the effects of Gortler vortices structures on several flow variables and parameters, in comparison with the DLR experiments carried out in the RWG, a Ludwieg tube facility for high speed and high Reynolds number flows. The investigated cases are the influence of mesh quality in a 2D case, the influence of the boundary conditions used in a 3D case, the effects of an infinite ramp in spanwise direction, and finally the influence of disturbances at the entry of the ramp.