Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 April 2006
The asymptotic flow structure is considered for a viscous–inviscid conical interaction, in particular that between a swept shock wave and a boundary layer. A flow model is devised based on the three-layer interaction concept. Assuming conicity of the inviscid flow regions, a viscous layer structure is established that is compatible with the inviscid outer flow, and which produces a geometrically conical surface flow pattern. This result is obtained from a dimensional analysis, which reveals similarity of the viscous layer in cross-flow planes at different radial distances from the conical origin. The results of this analysis provide a tool for the quantitative interpretation of surface flow visualizations in terms of the related topological structure of the flow in the cross-flow plane. This method is illustrated by application to the surface flow visualization of a Mach 3 shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction.