Study on Variable-Shape Supersonic Inlets and Missiles with MRD Device

Paper number

IAC-05-C4.5.04

Author

Mr. Hiroaki Kobayashi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Motoyuki Hongoh, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Hideyuki Taguchi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Keiichi Okai, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Shinsuke Takeuchi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Nobuhiro Tanatsugu, Japan

Year

2005

Abstract

This paper proposes a new aerodynamic device, which was designated Multi-Row-Disk (MRD). This device has a small cone and some disks being placed in the axial direction. The MRD structure can replace the solid structure without deteriorating aerodynamic performance of streamline objects because relatively stable cavity flows are formed between disks. Merits of this structure are as follows. 
(1) Weight saving due to its empty structure
(2) Variable geometry for aerodynamic characteristics control
We initiated research on the MRD structure for applying to supersonic inlets or airplanes in 2003. This study is being supported by Industrial Technology Research Grant Program from New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan. This paper shows some outputs from recent experiments and CFD simulations. We conducted wind tunnel tests and CFD simulations on the MRD device to measure drag, lift, aerodynamic center, boundary layer profile, pressure oscillation, and structural vibration. From these studies we can draw many findings. It was found that aerodynamic characteristics of the MRD device is remarkably improved by increasing number of disks, which is equivalent to reducing length to depth ratio (L/D) of cavities. 
We also conducted wind tunnel tests to validate supersonic inlets and missiles with the MRD device. Our tests were conducted in JAXA supersonic wind tunnel (Mach 3.5) and hypersonic wind tunnel (Mach 5). It was found that the MRD device improves off-design point performance of inlet by changing shape of the conical center-body. 

Abstract document

IAC-05-C4.5.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-C4.5.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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