Multiaxis Shock Vectoring Control of Overexpanded Supersonic Jet Using a Genetic Algorithm
Fernando Zigunov, MyungJun Song, Prabu Sellappan, Farrukh Alvi
Abstract
An experimental assessment of thrust vectoring of an overexpanded, circular supersonic jet is performed by using an array of 64 individually addressable microjet-in-crossflow actuators located at four distinct streamwise locations. A genetic algorithm, using the pressure distribution measured by a rake of total pressure probes in front of the jet and having the goal of maximizing the thrust vectoring angle, achieved a maximum vectoring angle of 2 deg after exploring 900 distinct actuator configurations. The solution is also demonstrated to provide azimuthal control of the vectoring direction due to the circular cross section of the nozzle, which is useful for rocket control systems. Further analysis of the optimal solution indicates the genetic algorithm leveraged the production of an asymmetric shock structure at the diverging section of the nozzle to achieve shock vector control.