Publications Details

Particle image velocimetry of a three-dimensional supersonic cavity flow

Beresh, Steven J.; Wagner, Justin W.; Pruett, Brian O.

Particle image velocimetry measurements have been conducted for supersonic flow over a three-dimensional cavity of variable width using two different experimental configurations. Two-component data were acquired of the entire streamwise extent of the cavity, peering partially into the cavity at an angle, which introduced a perspective bias error in the vertical velocity component. Stereoscopic data at the cavity's aft end were obtained using a more complex camera orientation to see much greater depth of the cavity without introducing perspective error. The data reveal the turbulent shear layer over the cavity and the recirculation region within it. Both the mean structure of the recirculation region and the shear layer turbulence intensity were found to be a function of the length-to-width ratio of the cavity. Large-scale turbulent eddies are prominent within the shear layer but not evident in the recirculation region.