Aerothermal prediction of hypersonic flow around spherical capsule model using IDDES approach

The prediction of heat transfer for blunt bodies in hypersonic flows remains a great challenge. In particular, the uncertainties are larger in the leeside due to the complexity of the wake flow. Generally, the heat transfer is over-predicted using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models. In this paper, the improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) method is used to simulate the Mach 6 flow around a scaled spherical capsule model. In addition, a low dissipative WENO scheme is used for inviscid fluxes and dual-time stepping method is applied for time advancement. Results are compared to experimental data for mean and instantaneous heat transfer in the leeside of the aftbody. It is shown that the integrated error is 75.49% for RANS while 35.69% for IDDES method. Moreover, the multi-scale structures in the separation region are also resolved well by the IDDES method.