Numerical investigation of overexpanded nozzle flows

The flow in a planar overexpanded nozzle with a slope discontinuity is studied numerically by means of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations and is compared to experimental results. The nozzle pressure ratios (NPR) vary from 1.6 to 10. A good agreement is found between experimental and numerical results and two configurations are observed: under a certain critical NPR, the flow is shown to be asymmetrical with respect to the nozzle axis, while it is perfectly symmetrical for higher NPRs. The value of the critical NPR is found to be very dependent on the turbulence model. Finally, an hysteresis phenomenon is evidenced since the NPR at which the change of flow configuration occurs is different whether the NPR is increasing or decreasing in the nozzle.