Design and validation of a two-dimensional variable geometry inlet

Abstract

The design of a two-dimensional variable geometry inlet which applied to a tandem type turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system was investigated in the present paper through three-dimensional simulations and wind tunnel tests. The operation Mach number range was between 0 and 3. A multi-ramp geometry scheme was adopted to achieve acceptable performance at different inflow Mach number. The first ramp angle was fixed whilst the angles of the second and the third ramps were variable at different inflow Mach numbers. The Mach numbers at throat region were maintained between 1.3 and 1.5 at different inflow Mach numbers according to this variable geometry scheme. A fixed geometry rectangular-to-circular shape diffuser was adopted to improve aerodynamic performance of the inlet. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out between Ma1.5 and Ma3.0. The results indicated that good aerodynamic performance can be achieved at different inflow speed. At the design point, total pressure recovery of the inlet was 0.66 at critical condition. Wind tunnel validation experiment tests were conducted at Ma2.0, showing the movement of terminal shock wave from downstream to upstream as the back pressure increased. The inlet operated at supercritical, critical and subsonic conditions at different back pressure.