Experimental and Computational Studies on Flow Characteristics of Single Expansion Nozzle

The present investigation aims to study the flow field characteristics of a single expansion nozzle (SEN). The flow field characteristics of conventional convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzle are also investigated for comparison. The experimental and computational studies were carried out for nozzle pressure ratios of 1.45, 1.55, 1.75, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The studies reveal that, for the single expansion nozzle the oblique shock moves towards the solid boundary with the increase of nozzle pressure ratio, which makes the flow to accelerate continuously in the majority of the divergent portion. The single expansion nozzle delivers the flow with higher Mach number than the C-D nozzle at the exit of the nozzle.