Numerical Analysis of Flowfield in Linear Plug Nozzle with Base Bleed

A linear aerospike nozzle is a kind of altitude adaptive nozzle that has optimum performance over the entire operational range. In this work, flow characteristics of a linear plug nozzle and a truncated plug with 40% plug length are studied numerically. Different flow types associated with an increase in nozzle pressure ratio, corresponding wall pressure variation and shock patterns are studied. The effect of base pressure improvement with a secondary flow from the base (base bleed) of the truncated nozzle is also examined. Four base bleed points are considered, and the optimum bleed point is selected based on performance and base pressure improvement. The two-dimensional numerical model is solved using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the Transition SST turbulence model. Validation shows that the present model is good enough at predicting the flow features associated with a linear plug nozzle. From the three different flow types associated with this nozzle, the transition from one type to other happens at lower nozzle pressure ratios with truncation due to the reduction in length of the plug. Thrust coefficient increased by 3.54% in the case of the bleed 3 configuration with a secondary flow of 2% of inlet mass flow rate when compared with 40% plug length without base bleed.

Automated summary

This study examined the flow characteristics of a linear aerospike nozzle and a truncated nozzle, as well as the influence of base bleed on performance. By using numerical simulations and optimizing the selection of the best base bleed point, the validation showed accurate predictions of the model.