Contraction ratio effect on boundary layer separation induced by shockwave boundary layer interactions

Boundary layer separations induced by shockwave boundary layer interaction at various contraction ratios were investigated at a Mach 4.5 flow. Stagnation pressure and temperature condition of 10 bars and 295 K were used, and a high-speed schlieren system visualized the flow features. A shockwave generator with 12 degree wedge generated an impinging shockwave onto a laminar boundary layer on a flat plate. The contraction ratio of the flow was varied by changing the distance between the shockwave generator and the flat plate. The location of the shockwave impingement was fixed while the contraction ratios were changed. Flow visualization showed that the flow separation and its size were influenced by the contraction ratio although overall flow features were similar. At higher contraction ratio, stronger impinging shockwave and more severe flow separation were observed.