Aerodynamics Performance Prediction of Thrust-Vectoring Nozzles

This paper deals with a study that has been undertaken to analyze the aerodynamics performance of thrust-vectoring nozzles from an engineering design point of view. The rationale for the study is the existence of a trend within the aeronautics industry to provide Ž ghter aircraft with thrust-de ection capabilities. Regarding practical design, and taking into account the fact that these nozzles have additional degrees of freedom, efŽ cient prediction methodologies are needed to analyze the aerodynamics behavior associated with the many combinations of parameters that characterize these propulsive devices. The methodology presented is based on a combination of theoretical analysis and computational  uid dynamics in such a way that numerical simulation provides data which, after some theoretical work, are shaped in the fashion of generic design curves ready for use with practical problems. Details of the  ow solver as well as a summary of its validation campaign are also provided.