Control of the asymmetric flow in rocket nozzles

In some rocket nozzle flows, the existence of the transition from FSS to RSS and the occurrence of asymmetric flow are known in previous researches. As a result, the transition causes excessive side-loads that may damage the nozzle. Thus, it is important to investigate the method in order to control the asymmetric flow separation. In the present study, the relationship between the asymmetric separation and the rate of change of the pressure ratio with time was investigated from the point of view of the transition from FSS to RSS in the supersonic nozzle experimentally. Further, change of the flow separation by using step and cavity, and the possibility of the control was demonstrated. As a result, it was shown that the method using a cavity was effective for the control of the separation pattern.