Computational Modeling of Turbulent Flows for High-speed Aerothermodynamics and Combustion Efficiency

In high-speed compressible flow, heat transfer and aerothermodynamics are critical problems requiring serious consideration besides the flow field. Heat transfer and aerothermodynamics in high-speed flow significantly impact the combustion process of scramjet engines. To investigate the salient process of heat transfer/aerothermodynamics and the propulsion performance, highly accurate computing can resolve critical information about the flow field and the temperature. I investigated the effect of heat transfer on the compressible turbulent shear layer and shockwave interaction in a scramjet. To this end, highly resolved Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are performed to explore the effect of wall thermal conditions on the behavior of a reattaching turbulent shear layer interacting with an oblique shock in compressible turbulent flows. The distribution of the Stanton number shows a strong heat transfer and complex pattern within the interaction, with the maximum thermal (heat transfer rates) and dynamic loads found for the case of the cold wall. The analysis of LES data reveals that the thermal boundary condition can significantly impact the wall pressure fluctuations level, therefore, the structural integrity of high-speed vehicles. A thorough understanding of heat transfer characteristics will enable us to improve the aerothermal design and reduce acoustics emissions in flight vehicles. Next, I will discuss my current research at the Center for Hybrid Rocket Exascale Simulation Technology, CHREST. The focus of CHREST is designing hybrid rockets that have the advantage of high energy density and, therefore, performance for a breakthrough in low-cost access to space. I develop computational tools to understand the underlying physics of ablative boundary layers for controlling turbulent flow physics, one of the significant challenges in operating hybrid rocket motors.

Dr. Rozie Zangeneh received her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine in 2018. She is currently a research scientist at the Center for Hybrid Rocket Exascale Simulation Technology. Before joining UB, she worked as a teaching faculty at Lawrence Tech University and Prairie View A&M University. Her primary research interests are high-performance computing and CFD applications in high-speed aerothermodynamics, turbulent flows, and combustion. Dr. Zangeneh has published numerous articles in high-impact journals and top-rank conferences in aerospace engineering. She is an active member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and regularly attends AIAA conferences as a reviewer and session chair.