The performance of some axi-symmetric isentropic centrebody intakes designed for Mach numbers of 2.48 and 3.27

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the pressure recovery and drag characteristics of two series of isentropic centrebody intakes (designed for Mach numbers of 2.48 and 3.27 respectively) has been made at zero incidence and over the Mach number range from 2.14 to 3.27. At the design Mach numbers experimental results have been compared with calculated values of drag at full mass flow and estimates of shock pressure recovery. Approximate methods have been devised to predict the variation of full mass flow and drag with Mach number at below design values. The correlation of experimental pressure recovery with intake geometry for conical centrebody intakes published in an earlier paper has been revised and generalised. It can now be used for all axi-symmetric centrebody designs utilising external compression and internal contraction up to the maximum permissible for 'starting' (without variable geometry).