Experimental Investigation of Single-Ramp and Double-Ramp Internal Compression Inlet Models

Abstract

Flow visualization experiments, pressure and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were conducted in supersonic internal compression inlet models in a Mach 2 flow. In the first phase of the study, the inlet model having a single sharp-edged shock generator on the upper lip of the inlet was investigated. In the second phase, another ramp was added to the floor of the single-ramp inlet model in order to fully represent an internal compression inlet. A block piece is placed at the exit of the inlet channel to simulate the pressure condition caused by the presence of the diffuser and engine. Schlieren imaging method was used to obtain the multishock wave flow pattern within the models. Fluctuating pressure measurements were performed on the floor of the inlet models. Mean velocity field at the center plane section of the inlet is obtained by side-view PIV measurements. Moreover, mean total and static pressures were measured at the exit section of the models in order to assess the total pressure recovery and exit Mach distribution of the inlet configurations. Results show that in general the double-ramp model flow field exhibits relatively smaller unsteady pressure fluctuations and hence a better performance.