Design of an arc-based thrust-optimized nozzle contour

A total of ten arc-based nozzle contours have been numerically compared to an existing thrust-optimized design. Verification and validation of the numerical model was achieved using published experimental data and the resulting numerical uncertainty of the model relative to thrust was less than 0.10%. Analysis of the arc-based nozzles indicated that the contour angles had the greatest effect on thrust. Optimization of the contour angles suggested that an increase in thrust coefficient of 0.25% could be achieved compared to the existing thrust-optimized nozzle. The result shows that an arc-based design method may be used to produce an equivalent thrust-optimized nozzle.