Interaction of Wake and Propulsive Jet Flow of a Generic Space Launcher

Abstract

This work investigates the interaction of the afterbody flow with the propulsive jet flow on a generic space launcher equipped with two alternative nozzle concepts and different afterbody geometries. The flow phenomena are characterized by experimental measurements and numerical URANS and LES simulations. Investigations concern a configuration with a conventional truncated ideal contour nozzle and a configuration with an unconventional dual-bell nozzle. In order to attenuate the dynamic loads on the nozzle fairing, passive flow control devices at the base of the launcher main body are investigated on the configuration with TIC nozzle. The nozzle Reynolds number and the afterbody geometry are varied for the configuration with dual-bell nozzle. The results for integrated nozzles show a shift of the nozzle pressure ratio for transition from sea-level to altitude mode to significant lower levels. The afterbody geometry is varied including a reattaching and non-reattaching outer flow on the nozzle fairing. Investigations are performed at supersonic outer flow conditions with a Mach number of (Formula Presented). It turns out, that a reattachment of the outer flow on the nozzle fairing leads to an unstable nozzle operation.