FEA of Supersonic Rectangular Intake

About this project

The project involves investigation of deformation and stresses in a supersonic intake due to pressure variations. The primary function of a ram-intake is to reduce the Mach number on the inlet of propulsion systems thus increasing the pressure of the flow to reach the compressor. For this investigation, a rectangular lip intake design is considered, which can be seen on several fighter aircraft. (to reduce pressure losses) for this example a pressure ratio of 2.5 is considered (Ma 1.5) and the tunnel pressure (towards compressor) is chosen to be 5 atm. Inlet to the compressor is fixed, whereas other parts are free to move (as seen in F-16 or F-22), The other case investigated is when the 2 edges are fixed (as seen on F-15) FEM analysis is important for such platforms as it gives designer an idea about the deformation and stress in structure every time the aircraft operates in such regime.