An Experimental Study of Cluster Nozzle Performance.
Abstract
Clusters of up to ten converging-diverging supersonic nozzles were cold flow tested at ambient conditions to determine their thrust performance as compared to a single nozzle of the same total throat area. The nozzles were operated at both underexpanded and overexpanded conditions, and no significant thrust difference was detected between the clusters and single nozzles. Schlieren photographs verified no interference between the jets of different nozzles. Clusters with various patterns of flowing and non-flowing nozzles were also tested. The non-flowing nozzles had no effect on the flowing nozzles except when, due to the sealed nozzles, the base plate area was greatly increased. The increased base plate area resulted in a noticeable improvement of thrust over theoretical throughout the pressure ratio range tested with the greatest increase in the underexpanded region. Aerodynamic shrouding was placed on the clusters and tested. There was a very slight decrease in thrust performance associated with a decrease in the base plate effect.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124677
Entities
People
- James T. Lester Jr.
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology