Comparative analysis of different Convergent section angles and working fluids on supersonic nozzle thrust force by Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD)

Abstract

This study presents the comparative study of different convergent section angles to evaluate the maximum thrust force of supersonic nozzle. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of supersonic nozzle is performed with different convergent section angles ranging from 42° to 24°, by maintaining same pressure ratio and operating conditions. In addition the numerical simulation is performed with different working fluids such as air, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Furthermore, the effect of inlet temperature on Mach number also analyzed, the numerical simulation is performed on unstructured grid and computational work is carried out on 2D axi-symmetric density based, coupled solver with viscous k-Omega SST turbulence model and linearized through implicit scheme. The CFD code is validated with previous experimental work and found good agreement with 2.6 percent error. The study revealed that decreasing convergent angle up to 27° has favorable effect on thrust force and 1.6 percent increase in truth force was estimated. Additionally, CO2 was considered as the best working gas with the highest thrust performance preceded by air, nitrogen, and CO. furthermore, the inlet temperature has favourable effect on nozzle mach number.