Chandler Evans Inc.

Robert F Kampe

Robert Edward Fitzgerald

A thrust augmentation technique wherein a primary gas stream is directionally switched at a high rate to produce flow discontinuities in the interest of increasing efficiency. Apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a fluidic switch, particularly a controlled expansion thrust vector control nozzle, which delivers a pulsating primary gas stream to an eductor or lift surface.

Thrust augmentation technique and apparatus

An exhaust nozzle has two frames each with flow attachment surfaces, mounted on its exit end in diametrically opposed relationship. Side plates are mounted on the sides of the attachment surfaces in such a manner that the plates project inwardly toward the axis of the nozzle. The attachment surfaces and their respective side plates define flow channels which receive only annular sectors of the exhaust stream emanating from the nozzle. Each flow channel is of sufficient radial depth and curvature to permit ambient pressure at a selected location on the attachment surface to detach the exhaust stream. A plurality of passages are provided in each frame for communicating ambient pressure to the respective attachment surfaces. A solenoid operated valve on each frame controls communication between the respective passages and the ambient atmosphere. A pulse ratio modulator circuit, responsive to a command signal, applies pulses to the valves such that an annular sector of flow may be successively attached and detached to generate a lateral force having a duration corresponding to the magnitude of the command signal.

Flow attachment device for thrust vector control

Fluidic switches characterized by a first divergent region immediately downstream of a nozzle throat and a second downstream region of reduced divergence which will be contacted by a deflected jet. The switches of the present invention include control ports which are normally open to the ambient atmosphere, the ports being located at or near the free stream separation point, and the transition from the first divergent section to the second section is located at or near the attached stream separation point. The switches of the present invention may assume a circular cross-section and when so doing will be provided with a plurality of ribs on the internal surface for preventing circumferential flow about a deflected jet.

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West Hartford, CT, United States of America

Robert F Kampe