Quasi-analytical prediction of base flow-plume interaction

The work presented deals with the application of a quasi analytical method to predict base pressure in situations that arise when studying base flow/plume interaction in some types of rocket vehicles. The flow domain is divided into four different regions that are: inviscid supersonic external flow, inviscid supersonic nozzle jet flow, cavity flow between this two regions where the pressure is assumed to be constant; and the mixing layers located in between the above mentioned regions. To solve the complete flow field, an iterative scheme is devised. First, each region is solved separately by making a priori assumptions regarding the value of some variables; second, appropriate matching conditions are imposed. Then, the process is repeated iteratively until convergence of a physical. criterion is achieved. Finally, it is shown that results obtained compare satisfactorily with the CFD and experimental results obtained within the ESA FESTIP Aerothermodynamics Programme.