Experimental-Numerical Parametric Investigation of a Rocket Nozzle Secondary Injection Thrust Vectoring

Secondary transverse injection into the divergent section of an axisymmetric convergent–divergent propulsive nozzle is investigated for the fluidic thrust vectoring effects. Coupled experimental and numerical cold-flow investigation on the number of cases and aspects was conducted in the framework of a French microsatellite launcher program. Five experimental test nozzles were designed, built, and equipped with diagnostic tools. All experimental test models were supported by full three-dimensional numerical simulations and further investigated using the additional nozzle models, cases, and analysis parameters. Pertinent side force and pitch vector angle of 5–9 deg were achieved within the 5–8% range of the secondary to primary mass-flow-rate ratio. Investigation aspects, categorized as the nozzle vectoring system geometrical characteristics, primary and secondary flow conditions, and gas intrinsic properties were found to dominantly affect the thrust vectoring capabilities. Some further improvements are s...