Thrust-Vector Characteristics of Jet Vanes Arranged in X-Formation Within a Shroud

Thrust-vector characteristics of jet vanes arranged in an X formation within a thrust-vector-control (TVC) shroud are very unique and much more complicated than those of the jet vanes acting without the shroud because of both the flow interference between the vanes and the shroud and the X formation of the vanes. The fluid dynamic interferences, such as the impingement of shock waves induced by jet vanes on the shroud wall, and the aerodynamic performance of jet vanes arranged in an X formation were investigated to characterize thrust vector control of jet vanes operating within the TVC shroud. An integrated method consisting of a semi-empirical model, a three-dimensional numerical analysis, and static firing tests of full-scale motors was applied to quantitatively present the side-force coefficient. Satisfactory agreement is found when compared to static firing test results.