Numerical investigation of s-shaped inlet performance at different angle of attack with and without vortex generators

Abstract:

The essence of this paper is to report the computational research in a S-shaped inlet performance at different angle of attack with and without vortex generators. First, several vortex generators were set near the entry of diffuser to effectively reduce flow distortion produced in the S-shaped inlet. Several parameters, i.e. the ratio of generator blade height to local boundary layer thickness, the locating position, and the angle against centerline have been given. Second, the performance of the S-shaped inlet with and without vortex generators at different angle of attack was developed by using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedure. The results show that in the ±10°angle of attack range, by using a properly designed vortex generator the total pressure circumferential distortion can be greatly reduced about 0.1 and the flow quality can be improved, but the total pressure recovery couldn't be raised. At high angle of attack, because of flow separations, the effect of the vortex generator was reduced. These results should provide valuable guidance in designing vortex generator installations in the S-shaped inlet. 