Author Name: Dr. Dieu-Donne Tallaelbazar Wandaogo Presents a comprehensive computational study of compressible turbulent flow in a modified...
Author Name: Dr. Dieu-Donne Tallaelbazar Wandaogo
Presents a comprehensive computational study of compressible turbulent flow in a modified convergent–divergent rocket nozzle featuring internal grooving along the divergent section. The primary objective of the study is to examine the impact of geometric surface modifications on turbulence structure, shock formation, pressure recovery, and overall nozzle performance under supersonic operating conditions.
Using a finite volume–based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) framework, the standard k–ε turbulence model is solved to capture the complex interaction between shock waves and turbulent boundary layers. The grooved nozzle geometry is compared with a conventional smooth-walled nozzle to evaluate differences in flow separation, recirculation zones, and energy losses.
The results demonstrate that the presence of grooves significantly impacts the turbulence kinetic energy distribution and eddy dissipation rate along the divergent section. The grooved geometry promotes enhanced mixing and delayed flow separation, which leads to improved pressure recovery and more stable supersonic core flow. Flow visualizations reveal the formation of micro-vortical structures inside the grooves, which interact with the main jet and contribute to boundary layer re-energization. Additionally, the study shows that grooving can reduce adverse pressure gradients, thereby mitigating shock-induced separation and unsteady flow oscillations.
The paper concludes that surface grooving is a promising passive flow-control technique for improving the aerodynamic and thermodynamic performance of rocket nozzles. The findings provide practical insights for the design of next-generation propulsion systems, particularly in applications where shock–boundary layer interactions and turbulent losses are critical. Overall, the work contributes to a deeper understanding of turbulence modulation in supersonic internal flows.
Author Biography
Dr. Dieu-Donne Talla Elbazar Wandaogo is a multidisciplinary researcher and academic whose work bridges applied mathematics, mechanical systems, and advanced propulsion technologies. He currently serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana, where he is actively involved in teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and computational modeling.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Wildlife (UCC), a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (UCC), a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (KNUST), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Mathematics. This unique educational trajectory has enabled him to develop a strong interdisciplinary perspective, integrating biological systems thinking with physics-based modeling and engineering design principles.
Dr. Wandaogo’s primary research interests lie in missile and rocket propulsion systems, supersonic and hypersonic flow dynamics, nozzle flow optimization, and shock–boundary layer interactions, with a strong emphasis on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and numerical methods such as the finite volume and finite difference techniques. His work on variable-geometry rocket nozzles has attracted attention for its potential to improve thrust efficiency and flow stability in high-speed propulsion systems.
In addition to propulsion technologies, he is actively engaged in renewable energy research, focusing on low-cost wind turbine development, rural electrification technologies, and energy harvesting systems tailored for off-grid and resource-constrained communities. He is particularly passionate about Space technologies and designing sustainable engineering solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Wandaogo has published in peer-reviewed journals, serves as a reviewer for international engineering journals and he is open to international research collaborations in aerospace propulsion, advanced numerical modeling, and sustainable energy systems, and is actively seeking partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
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