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Performance analysis of an expansion-deflection (E-D) nozzle based on pintle inflection angle

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Abstract

In expansion-deflection (E-D) nozzles, an open wake or a closed wake developed depends on the nozzle pressure ratio, and this can be used for altitude compensation nozzle of space launch vehicles. In this paper, experiments were performed to analyze the performance of E-D nozzles with different pintle inflection angles according to nozzle pressure ratio. Identical experimental E-D nozzles were manufactured, changing only the pintle inflection angle, which directly affected thrust performance, as a variable, and thrust and nozzle wall pressure were measured. To improve the reliability of the thrust measurement, the thrust measurement system was calibrated, and the uncertainty was evaluated and verified. Results of the experiment revealed that when the inflection angle of the E-D pintle increased, thrust decreased due to the decrease in the nozzle throat area. In the open wake, shock waves and expansion waves were repeatedly generated, resulting in a section where pressure increased on the nozzle wall. Nozzle pressure measurements confirmed the non-uniform separation of the flow from the nozzle wall surface. Studying the nozzle side load further is necessary because this phenomenon affects the structural stability of the nozzle.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT, NRF-2021M1A3B8078915).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Korea

    Junsub Choi

  2. Department of Aerospace Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Korea

    Hwanil Huh

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  1. Junsub Choi
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  2. Hwanil Huh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hwanil Huh.

Additional information

Junsub Choi is a Ph.D. candidate of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. He worked in Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in Korea, from 2001 to 2007. His research interests include advanced rocket nozzle and space launch vehicle propulsion.

Hwanil Huh is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aeronautical Engineering from the Seoul National University and Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research interests include the theory and design of high-speed propulsion systems such as rocket propulsion engines of space launch vehicles and high-speed flying vehicles.

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Choi, J., Huh, H. Performance analysis of an expansion-deflection (E-D) nozzle based on pintle inflection angle. J Mech Sci Technol 36, 6065–6072 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-022-1121-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-022-1121-7

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