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Pressure fluctuation longitudinal coherence: an extended model

DeChant, Lawrence J.; Casper, Katya M.

Fluctuating boundary layer pressure fluctuations are an important loading component for reentry bodies. Characterization of these loads is often described through cross-spectral density-based definitions, such as, longitudinal and lateral coherence, spatial correlation and frequency power spectral density. The widely utilized Corcos separable coherence model functional form has been employed in this study. While the classical Corcos D xD style model using a self-similar velocity-spacing variable e.g. (here the subscript denotes a dimensional U vaiable) has been effectively used for low speed simulations, high speed problems often require a model that involves both the self-similar variable and the sensor spacing D Here we examine longitudinal coherence formulations that include explicit D behavior as well as the self-similar variable. Examination of an analytical model/synthetic pressure fluctuation correlation function developed here clearly demonstrate that the self-similar form may need to be supplement by non-similar information. Using the synthetic space-time correlation expression, a coherence model which uses self-similar variables and explicit (but continuous) spatial information is proposed. Estimates for the parameters in the coherence model are derived using asymptotic arguments available from the synthetic result. Further, relationships are derived to estimate coherence model parameters and their connection to longitudinal correlation behavior assuming exponential auto-spectral density models. Comparison of these expressions with wind tunnel test and DNS simulation shows good comparison. Measurements from flight tests which deviate greatly from the classical self-similar form can be successfully described using the extended model although the coherence model parameters must be modified. In summary, an extended coherence model is developed which provides good explanations of longitudinal coherence and correlation behavior.