Flow characterization of supersonic jets issuing from double-beveled nozzles

Abstract

Supersonic jets at design Mach number of 1.45 issuing from circular 30 deg and 60 deg double-beveled nozzles have been investigated experimentally and numerically in the present study, with a view to potentially improve mixing behavior. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of the double-beveled nozzles and a benchmark nonbeveled nozzle were performed at nozzle-pressure-ratios (NPR) between 2.8 and 5.0, and the results are observed to agree well with Schlieren visualizations obtained from a modified Z-type Schlieren system. Double-beveled nozzles are observed to produce shorter potential core lengths, modifications to the first shock cell lengths that are sensitive toward the NPR and jet half-widths that are typically wider and narrower along the trough-to-trough (TT) and peak-to-peak (PP) planes, respectively. Lastly, using double-beveled nozzles leads to significant mass flux ratios at NPR of 5.0, with a larger bevel-angle demonstrating higher entrainment levels.