Numerical simulation of separated boundary layer flow (Q1392606)

We present numerical simulations of time-dependent two-dimensional compressible boundary layer flow containing a region of separation. The separation is generated by the introduction of an adverse pressure gradient along the freestream boundary. In order to validate the numerical method, a low Mach-number laminar separation bubble flow is considered, which enables an extensive comparison with incompressible results. The time-averaged characteristics of the flow are in good quantitative agreement with incompressible approximate theories predicting the condition for separation. The appearance of self-excited vortex shedding in unperturbed flows under a sufficiently strong adverse pressure gradient is also consistent with incompressible flow simulations reported in the literature.