A Numerical Study on the Physics of Flow Over a Flat Plate with Backward Facing Step

Some of the results of a numerical investigation of the flow field characteristics of a transonic compressible flow over a flat plate with backward facing step of different heights are presented. The study has been performed by solving Two-Dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The system of governing equations has been solved, using an explicit Harten-Yee Non- MUSCL Modified flux type TVD scheme and a zero-equation algebraic turbulence model to calculate the eddy viscosity coefficient. The results presented in this paper are computed for fixed Mach number, M = 0.8 and for different step heights, h = 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mm. The details on pressure, temperature and velocity field, together with recirculation length, expansion shock, reattached shock, interaction of shock wave are reported. The variations of flow characteristics due to change of step heights are also presented.