Computational Investigation of the Effect of UAV Engine Nozzle Configuration on Infrared Signature

The effects of various nozzle configurations on infrared signature are investigated for the purpose of analysing the infrared signature level of aircraft propulsion system. A virtual subsonic aircraft is selected and then a circular convergent nozzle, which meets the mission requirements, is designed. Convergent nozzles of different configurations are designed with different geometric profiles. Using a compressible Navier-Stokes-Fourier CFD code, an analysis of thermal flow field and nozzle surface temperature distribution is conducted. From the information of plume flow field and nozzle surface temperature distribution, IR signature of plume and nozzle surface is calculated through the narrow-band model and the RadThermIR code. Finally, qualitative information for IR signature reduction is obtained through the analysis of the effects of various nozzle configurations on IR signature.