Optimal design of supersonic nozzle contour for altitude test facility

Abstract

This paper develops a robust and practical design for supersonic nozzles to be used in an altitude engine test facility. Although many studies have been conducted on nozzle design, none of these present a robust yet practical and simple method for designing supersonic nozzles. This research attempts to develop such design for supersonic nozzles by combining method of characteristics (MOC), optimization algorithm, and computational fluid dynamics analysis for design verification. Preliminary design optimal techniques were adopted to reduce nozzle length while keeping the exit area constant in the design. Optimization produced a smooth flow by generating a parallel and uniform flow at the exit. A two-dimensional model was initially used because of the axisymmetrical characteristic of the flow in this study. The optimal nozzle was designed for the operation of a test facility at Mach number 2.3 and altitude of 7 km. The optimal design produced a uniform and parallel flow at the given test condition.