Transition Between Open and Closed Wake in 3D Linear Aerospike Nozzles

Linear aerospike nozzles are envisaged as a possible device able to improve launcher engine performance. One of the most interesting properties of these nozzles is the possibility of a good integration with the vehicle. Tb improve the knowledge of the flow-field and performance of aerospike nozzles, they are studied numerically, with particular attention to the differences between the basic two-dimensional nozzle, usually considered in the design phase, and the more realistic three-dimensional nozzle. The study considers different plug lengths and ambient pressures to assess the role of the linear plug side truncation on the base pressure behavior. Numerical tests are carried out at supersonic flight Mach number. Copyright © 2005 by M. Geron and R. Paciorri.F. Nasuti, F. Sabetta, E. Martelli.