Investigation of the Effects of Airframe Design on Inlet Flow Fields
Abstract
The modern tactical class of aircraft weapon systems is required to perform effectively over a wide range of flight Mach number and altitude, providing large thrust margin and high maneuvering capability throughout the normal operating envelope. To achieve this combination of performance and maneuverability, a sophisticated propulsion system closely integrated with the airframe is required. Operational experience indicates that the vehicle induced flow environment can influence the performance of these closely integrated propulsion systems with the effects ranging from minor performance degradation to engine flame-out. Recent exploratory and development research programs have served to improve the basic understanding of the effects of airframe-inlet interaction. These programs accomplished their major goals in that a large bank of relevant experimental data was generated and a basic understanding of the flow phenomena was obtained. The objective of the program reported herein was to expand this data bank by (1) providing a more extensive spatial documentation of the vehicle flow fields, (2) an increase in the Mach number regime included, and (3) investigations of additional geometric variables potentially impacting upon the propulsion system design process. All major program goals were attained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0911493
Entities
People
- Constant Prokop