An improved source flow characteristic technique for the analysis of scramjet exhaust flow fields

Abstract

The process is discussed of designing a nozzle for a hypersonic airbreathing vehicle which involves a complex study of the inter-relationship among many parameters: internal-external expansion, vehicle lift, drag, pitching moments, and structural and weight limitations. The source flow characteristic approach to the design process was extended and improved, and streamline interpolation procedure was incorporated. All characteristic and boundary calculations were made compatible with frozen, equilibrium and ideal gas thermodynamic options, while slip surface calculations (cowl interaction) were extended to underexpanded flow conditions. Since viscous forces can significantly influence vehicle forces, pitching moments and structural/weight considerations, a local integration via flat plate boundary layer skin friction and heat transfer coefficients was included. These effects are calculated using the Spalding and Chi method, and all force and moment calculations are performed via integration of the local forces acting on the specified vehicle wetted areas