Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Linear Plug Nozzles

Plug nozzles have received renewed attention in the frame of future launcher developments. Their use appears particularly convenient for Single Stage to Orbit vehicles, because of the overall improvement in performance and also of their possible good integration with the vehicle shape. Nevertheless, a better understanding of the phenomena that take place is necessary, in order to evaluate accurately their behavior. The numerical and experimental analysis of two linear plug nozzle models, performed for different truncation lengths, has allowed to emphasize the critical points of the design. Moreover, the comparisons of numerical and experimental data indicate limitations and expectations for either approach to be used for analyzing their behavior