Evolution and sudden change of steady interactions of low enthalpy hypersonic double wedge flows with fore angle

The evolution and sudden change of steady interaction structures is numerically studied with the fore wedge angle theta_1 in a low enthalpy hypersonic double wedge configuration. It particularly focuses on the conditions of Swantek and Austin's experiments where Ma=7, and h_0=2 MJ/kg but with a reduced Reynolds number (Re). The sudden structural change indicates that when theta_1 reaches a critical value, minor angular variations can trigger a discontinuous transformation in flow structures. The analysis is based on the laminar Navier-Stokes equations, using ideal gas and non-equilibrium gas models. Under the condition of Re=1E5/m, detailed numerical simulations are conducted as theta_1 varies over 0 deg-40 deg. This study yields the following findings: (a) The upper and lower boundaries of theta_1 for the onset of unsteady flow are identified. When theta_1 lies outside these boundaries, the flow remains steady. (b) As theta_1 increases, the interaction patterns evolve sequentially, progressing from Type VI through Type VI->V, Type III, Type IV_r, and ultimately to a flow dominated solely by a bow shock. This evolution defines the boundaries between different interaction patterns and provides a comprehensive understanding of their progression with theta_1. Sudden structural changes occur during the transitions from Type III to Type IV_r and from Type IV_r to a bow shock-dominated flow. In addition, a comparative study is performed through shock polar analysis to compare its predictions with computational results. (c) An unconventional reflection pattern of the transmitted shock over the separation zone, called Type III_r, is observed in non-equilibrium gas flows, which differs from classical interaction patterns. (d) The aerodynamic distribution of wall properties under various interactions is obtained, indicating distinct features before and after the sudden structural change.