An Experimental Investigation of Methods to Increase the Liquid Jet Penetration into Supersonic Flow.

Abstract : The main aim of this experimental work was a detailed study of the influence of injection angle on the penetration and break-up of liquid fuel jets in a supersonic air stream. A particular goal was to incorporate that variable into the penetration correlations previously developed at VPI. This was accomplished. A secondary aim of the work was to assess the performance of liquid fuel jet injection from the top of a slender strut that protrudes out into the flow. This is one method that has been suggested for the 'mechanical' enhancement of penetration. The penetration behavior was found to be similar to that associated with injection from a flat plate. A result of particular interest was the discovery of waves with amazingly sharp crests on the windward side of the jets for downstream angled injection.