Underexpanded Supersonic Jets from Elliptical Nozzle with Aft Deck

Abstract

An experimental investigation of an underexpanded supersonic jet issuing from a circular nozzle, an elliptical nozzle, and an elliptical nozzle with an aft deck at different nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs) is reported in this paper. Static-pressure measurements over the nozzle walls were analyzed to understand the internal flow structure. Schlieren visualization and conical probe measurements were conducted to elucidate the development of the jets issuing from the nozzles. The sound-pressure level in the near field was measured, and it was found that the screech amplitudes were 26 dB lower in the elliptical nozzle with an aft deck. The screech-tone frequencies were observed to be above and near audible region (16 kHz) in the presence of the aft deck at NPRs 3 and 4. The jets emanating from the circular and truncated elliptical nozzles were observed to be flapping about the jet axis at NPRs 3 and 4. The unsteadiness of the jet was reduced by locking the jet onto the aft deck. The centerline Mach-number decay revealed that, due to the screeching effect, the truncated elliptical nozzle has a shorter potential core length and larger jet spreading. The flow separation and reattachment were observed over the aft-deck surface for higher NPR conditions.