Verification of Complex Transonic Phenomena with CFD Codes

Classical analytic models for the theoretical behavior of transonic flows have guided the development of numerical simulation of practically relevant flows. But while operational successfully for the usual applications (conventional configuration high speed aerodynamics), CFD codes fail frequently once detailed information regarding even just inviscid flow structure for freestream Mach number close to unity is needed. In this contribution shock configurations are computed verifying analytical results for both the far field behavior of detached bow waves and the local structure of attaching bow waves. The first example is challenging the ability of a CFD code (DLR‐τ) to adapt its unstructured grid to a weak bow wave detached from the airfoil. Known analytical results for the asymptotic bow wave behavior at decreased Mach number → 1 serve for judging numerical results where practical case studies neither from CFD nor from experiment are available. In the second example the behavior of a bow wave attaching to a wedge for increased Mach number is studied, with grid adaption allowing for a verification of both the singular analytical model when attachment takes place and also the transition to plain supersonic wedge flow.