For this thesis an experimental investigation of sharp fin-induced shock/boundary layer interactions was carried out at a Mach number of 2.95, unit Reynolds numbers ranging from 1 to 4 million per inch, boundary layer thicknesses of 0.14 and 0.50 inches, and fin angles of attack between 12 and 22 degrees. Surface pressure and surface flow visualization data were collected. Results showed that high shock strength interactions were qualitatively similar to those at low shock strengths. When compared to two-dimensional test results, the present three-dimensional data were seen to have a similar dependence on Reynolds number but a different sort of dependence on shock strength. The data were also seen to possess conical similarity. As was the case at lower shock strengths, the interactions could be scaled using unit Reynolds number, boundary layer thickness, and normal Mach number. The appearance of the feature termed secondary separation was noted to depend on boundary layer thickness. Competing feature and turbulence scales were hypothesized to produce this dependence.

An experimental study of three-dimensional (3-D) shock wave turbulent boundary layer interaction has been carried out. Interactions generated by fin models having sharp and hemi-cylindrically blunted leading edges have been studied. The emphasis in this particular study was twofold. First, the influence of incoming turbulent boundary layer thickness delta on the streamwise, spanwise and vertical scaling of the interaction was examined. Turbulent boundary layers varying in thickness from .127 cm (.05 in.) to 2.27 cm (0.89 in.) were used. In addition, a study has been conducted to examine the effects of the ratio D/delta (where D is the blunt fin leading edge diameter) on the interaction properties and scaling. Second, an investigation has been started to examine the unsteady shock wave-boundary layer structure and the resulting high frequency, large amplitude pressure fluctuations which occur ahead of and around the blunt fin leading edge. This is an area which in the past has been largely ignored, yet has important implications, since it is not clear that any mean surface property or flowfield measurements have any real physical significant. To date, measurement techniques and computer software have been developed and exploratory measurements made in the undisturbed turbulent boundary layer and also on the plane of symmetry ahead of the blunt fin.