The structure of turbulence in transonic shock wave/boundary layer interaction

A direct numerical simulation database is exploited to investigate the interaction of a normal shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer developing over a flat plate at free-stream Mach number M ∞ = 1.3 and moderate Reynolds number Re θ ≈ 1,200 (based on the momentum thickness of the incoming boundary layer). At the selected conditions, the boundary layer does not exhibit separation in the mean flow, and the interaction region is characterised by the unsteady release of large vortical structures. The shock system is sufficiently strong to alter the near-wall streaky structures of the incoming boundary layer, which disappear past the interaction. This effect is quantitatively analysed, and found to be similar to that observed in turbulent channels with a moving wall. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.