Infrared Signature of Aircraft Engine with Choked Converging Nozzle

Incorporation of an infrared suppressor is generally accompanied by a compromise in engine performance, which indirectly reduces the effectiveness of infrared signature suppression. This investigation illustrates the percentage increase in the infrared signature level in the 1.9-2.9 mu m and 3-5 mu m bands resulting from an increase in engine backpressure in a jet engine due to a reduction in the exit area of a choked converging nozzle. The effectiveness of optically blocking the hot engine parts by reducing the choked nozzle-exit area is estimated. Thermodynamic offdesign point analysis of the jet engine is done using GasTurb software to evaluate the percentage reduction in thrust and the net change in infrared signature level for the reduced choked converging nozzle-exit area relative to that for the design point.