Flow Investigation of Linear Cluster Plug Nozzle

Abstract

Computational and experimental tools have been used to understand the linear cluster plug nozzle flowfield for a range of pressure ratios. The experimental cluster configuration is arrived at from a linear plug nozzle by introducing splitter plates in the primary nozzle, and computational analysis of corresponding geometry is also carried out. The flow development on the plug surface has been analyzed for two different cluster module spacings. The interactions between the cluster module jets is a complex one with a three-dimensional shock structure because of the differential end condition the shock experiences on the plug wall and freejet boundary. A prominent streamwise vorticity resulting from curvature of the shock is also seen along the length of the plug downstream of the module junctions. The out-of-phase wave interactions occurring along the module centerline and the splitter plate centerline, resulting in a wavy surface-limiting streamline pattern, particularly at lower pressure ratios, is explained.