RBCC Rocket Nozzle

The ejector mode concept in rocket-based combined cycles presents an opportunity to derive thrust from atmospheric air thereby diminishing fuel consumption and reducing overall rocket launch costs. This project concentrates on crafting a three-dimensional rocket nozzle featuring the ejector effect. The design involves a diverging section passing through a non-axisymmetric gate or clover on the outer perimeter creating a void for air intake into the center of an annular rocket exhaust stream. The primary objective is to pinpoint the optimal design among three configurations with varying clover numbers (3 4 and 5). Flow analyses utilizing numerical simulations and a predefined Mach number distribution were conducted incorporating viscous simulations with the k-ε turbulence model. Results reveal that the nozzle with 4 clovers outperforms those with 3 or 5 clovers aligning closely with predefined outlet Mach numbers and demonstrating effectiveness.