Design and Optimization of Supersonic Intake

Abstract

The ideal supersonic intake was designed using the Theta-Beta-Mach relations and a CAD modelling software. After the design was done the optimization part was carried out. Initially the easy method of cowl deflection angle variation was used to get the optimum results at a particular angle and then the pressure recovery was maximized using the intake bleed technique. The bleed technique was optimized by fixing the best location of bleed according to the shock reflections in the intake and then maximizing the results analyzing the problem for various bleed diameter values. The mesh resolution for all the analyses was taken constant along with the turbulence model and solution methods. The analyses were carried out completely considering the free flow exit condition in the intake and the back pressure condition was not taken into account due to time constraints. Therefore, the pressure recovery or the efficiency of the intake is judged solely on the minimum velocity achieved in the intake. This value was used to maximize the intake too.