Vectoring Thrust in Multiaxes Using Confined Shear Layers

A fluidic scheme is described which exploits a confined countercurrent shear layer to achieve multiaxis thrust vector response of supersonic jets in the absence of moving parts. Proportional and continuous control of jet deflection is demonstrated at Mach numbers up to 2, for pitch vectoring in rectangular nozzles and multiaxis vectoring in axisymmetric nozzles. Secondary mass flow rates less than approximately 2% of the primary flow are used to achieve thrust vector angles exceeding 15 degrees. Jet slew rates up to 180 degrees per second are shown, and the fluidic scheme is examined in both static and wind-on configurations. Thrust performance is studied for external coflow velocities between Mach 0.3 and 0.7. [S0098-2202(00)02601-8]