Comparative CFD analysis of a 2D supersonic nozzle flow with jet tab and jet vane

Abstract

In this study, a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) computational model has been established, with the aim to properly simulate complex supersonic flow generated by a 2D convergent-divergent nozzle. For the purpose of rocket engine thrust vector control (TVC) simulations, initially several jet tab positions were used to generate up to 30% shadowing of the nozzle exit, without and with a gap between tab and exit. Numerical results were compared with the existing experimental data, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and fair agreements have been obtained in both senses. The same CFD settings have then been applied for the computational analysis of another TVC type – the jet vane, which was analysed in four different adopted configurations with respect to the nozzle. Stable convergence of solutions has been achieved, up to 40° of vane deflections. Performed calculations have enabled comparisons of the two considered TVC types, in the sense of the achieved thrust force deflections, and thrust losses.

Keywords

• CFD analysis
• flow visualization
• jet tab
• jet vane
• supersonic nozzle
• thrust vector control