Aerodynamic Characterization of a Generic High-Speed Projectile Configuration

A combined experimental and numerical study was conducted on a generic projectile configuration with low-aspect-ratio fins. The main objectives of this study were to characterize the aerodynamic behavior and validate numerical simulations for a range of Mach numbers (0.4–4) to facilitate an understanding of major flow features such as forebody and fin-generated shock waves, crossflow shear layer vortex, and fin vortex interactions. Measurements included forces and moments, surface oil flow visualization, and high-speed shadowgraph imaging. Numerical simulations were performed using the CFD++ solver. The results showed an excellent match between the experimental and numerical force and moment data. Pressure contours obtained using numerical simulations were integrated to obtain the contributions of individual components toward the total normal force on the body. Flow visualization results show a few complex and interesting flow features, such as shear layer roll-up, crossflow and fin tip vortex interactions, and shock-wave–boundary-layer interactions. The effects of vortex strength and location were analyzed to determine their contributions to the overall forces on the model. The database generated will be very useful for further validation of the numerical tool and a better understanding of vortex-dominated supersonic flows.