Detached Eddy Simulation of the Ariane-5 Buffeting Coupling Phenomenon

The prediction of unsteady side loads induced by the interaction of flow separation inside nozzles and launcher wake will play an important role for the design of future propulsion systems. Numerical simulation of this phenomenon, called buffeting coupling, is one of the main challenges during ascent. To investigate the whole nozzle flow field, basic studies of generic configurations by advanced turbulence models are necessary. For this reason the unsteady turbulent flowfield of the Ariane-5 nozzle section under transonic conditions is investigated by Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) and validated by wind tunnel data from the NLR PHST facility. Comparisons of root mean square values and frequency spectra between experimental data and DES are carried out successfully. Furthermore comparisons between URANS and DES simulations are carried out.