Design and implementation of rigid-flexible coupling for a half-flexible single jack nozzle

The aerodynamic design of a rigid-flexible coupling profile is the decisive factor for the flow-field quality of a supersonic free jet wind tunnel nozzle, and its mechanic dynamic features are the key for engineering implementation of continuous Mach number regulations. To fulfill the requirements of a free jet inlet/engine compatibility test within a wide simulation envelop, both uniform flow-fields of continuous acceleration and deceleration are necessary. In this paper, the aerodynamic design methods of an expansion wall and machinery implementation plan for the half-flexible single jack nozzle were researched. The profile control in nozzle flexible plate design was studied with a rigid-flexible coupling method. Design and calculations were performed with the help of numerical simulation. The technique of axial free stretching of the flexible plate was used to improve the matching performance between the designed elasticity profile and the theoretical one, and the rigid-flexible coupling structure was calibrated by wind tunnel tests. Results indicate that the flexible plate aerodynamic design method used here is effective and feasible. Via rigid-flexible coupling design, the flexible plate agrees with the rigid body very well, and continuous Mach number changes can be achieved during the tests. The nozzle's exit flow-field uniformity meets the requirements of China Military Standard (GJB). (C) 2016 Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.