Investigation on flow pattern of sidewall compression scramjet inlet with single central strut

Flow feature in a sidewall compression scramjet inlet with central strut was investigated using surface oil flow visualization, pressure measurements and numerical simulation. Two types of sidewall scramjet inlets were studied with a back swept strut and a forward swept strut respectively. Appropriate strut location can avoid the interaction of shocks induced by side wall and strut, and generate smaller boundary layer separation, which is favorable for improving the inlet performance. The inlet with forward strut is good for increasing capture ratio, but increases the total pressure loss for larger boundary layer separation.