Experimental investigation of flow through planar double divergent nozzles

Dual bell nozzle is one of the feasible and cost effective techniques for altitude adaptation. Planar double divergent nozzle with a rectangular cross section was designed for two different NPR׳s to simulate and investigate the flow regimes similar to those inside the dual bell nozzle. Measurements involved flow visualization using Schlieren technique and wall static pressure measurements. The flow transition between the two nozzles at the respective inflection points and the formation of recirculation region due to flow separation was analyzed in detail. Cold flow tests were performed on the double divergent nozzle in the over-expanded conditions to study the shock wave characteristics. The results obtained from the two independent double divergent nozzles were compared with those obtained from a single divergent nozzle of the same area ratio. From the experiments it was observed that inflection angle played a key role in defining the type of shock structures existing inside the double divergent nozzles.