Numerical investigation of supersonic jet interaction for axisymmetric bodies

A detailed numerical investigation of the interaction between a lateral jet and the external flow has been performed for several axisymmetric bodies. Numerical predictions of the supersonic viscous flow has been obtained using an existing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational technique. The computational results have been validated using surface pressure and global force and moment measurements from a previously published experimental investigation. Surface-pressure measurements on the body are generally in good agreement with the experimental measurements, particularly in the region downstream of the side jet. Force and moment predictions also show excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The results show that the interaction of the jet with the external flow produces a complex flowfield that may be difficult to characterize using simpler approaches. The effects of nose shape, angle of attack, mass flow, and Eight velocity have been investigated. For the geometries and flight conditions considered here, Right velocity and jet mass flow appear to have the most significant effect on the force and moments, whereas nose shape and small variations in angle of attack produced relatively small effects. These conclusions are supported by the results obtained in the prior experimental investigation.