Three-dimensional features of a Mach 2.1 shock/boundary layer interaction

2D particle image velocimetry was used to study the three-dimensionality of the shock-boundary layer interaction generated by a small 20° compression ramp in a low aspect ratio continuously operated wind tunnel. High-resolution data were taken in four streamwise-wallnormal planes: three planes located in the sidewall boundary layer and one near the tunnel centerline. The incoming boundary layer was found to show three-dimensionality, with significant overshoot in the velocity profiles observed near the sidewall. The size of the wedge influenced the interaction, which was weaker than that observed in the case of a large compression wedge. The flow turning angle was ≈8° near the tunnel centerline and changed significantly across the span. Measurements behind the compression wedge in the centerline plane showed that both velocity and turbulence properties were nearly fully recovered ≈14δ behind the compression corner. The shock angle varied with spanwise position, and a multi-shock structure was observed in the sidewall planes. The size of the interaction decreased in the sidewall boundary layer. Non-monotonic variations in both velocity and turbulence profiles across the sidewall planes suggest the presence of significant spanwise flows, possibly corner vortices.