Optimization of Freestream Flow Effects on Thrust Shock Vector Control Nozzle

Abstract

The present study attempted to utilize a computational investigation to optimize the external freestream flow influence on thrust-vector control. The external flow with different Mach numbers from 0.05 to 1.1 and with optimum injection angles from 60˚ to 120˚ were studied at variable flow conditions. Simulation of a converging-diverging nozzle with shock-vector control method was performed, using the unsteady Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes approach with Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. This research established that freestream flow and fluidic-injection angle are the significant parameters on shock-vector control performance. Computational results indicate that, increasing freestream Mach number would decline the thrust vectoring effectiveness. Also, optimizing injection angle would reduce the negative effect of external freestream flow on thrust-vector control. Moreover, increasing secondary to primary total pressure ratios and decreasing nozzle pressure ratios at different freestream Mach number would decrease dynamic response of starting thrust-vector control. Additionally, to lead the improvement of the next generation of jet engine concepts, the current study aimed to originate a database of variable external flow with effective aerodynamic parameters, which have influence on fluidic thrust-vector control.