Effects of forward-facing cavity on drag in hypervelocity projectiles: a computational approach

Nagarkar, Kavana and Shetty, Shamitha and Khan, Sher Afghan and Baig, Muneer (2026) Effects of forward-facing cavity on drag in hypervelocity projectiles: a computational approach. International Journal of Thermofluids, 31 (January 2026). pp. 1-11. E-ISSN 2666-2027

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Abstract

The present numerical study examines hypersonic flow (Mach 5.9) over a blunt body, comparing configurations with and without a forward-facing cavity (FFC). Operating at 1200 Pa and 143 K free-stream conditions, the research focuses on critical parameters, including the drag coefficient, pressure fluctuations, and shock stand-off distance, using unsteady-state RANS simulations. The findings indicate that a forward-facing cavity reduces drag by up to 18% at an L/D ratio of 3. This improvement is attributed to an increased shock stand-off distance, which alters the flow dynamics around the body. The s-a turbulence model with three coefficient equations has satisfied the Navier-Stokes equations to simulate hypervelocity flow over a blunt body. The current time-dependent simulation has provided almost steady results after reaching 11 milliseconds. A comparative analysis of blunt bodies with and without cavities, and with varying L/D ratios, further demonstrates that deeper cavities enhance performance in hypervelocity conditions.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7395/126839
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Blunt body, CFD, Hypersonic, Cavity, Mach, And Drag
Subjects:	T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics > TL780 Rockets
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr. Sher Afghan Khan
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2026 16:54
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2026 16:54
Queue Number:	2026-01-Q1641
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126839

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