Predicting Propulsion Related Drag of Jet Aftbodies

Two propulsion related drag correlation parameters have been developed. Existing or planned parametric jet aftbody drag data can therefore be reduced into a simple prediction technique for aircraft preliminary design studies. The drag due to the external nozzle geometry correlates with the average slope of the aftbody's area distribution (Integral Mean Slope), and the drag influence of the internal nozzle geometry/exhaust plume correlates with an effective plume inclination angle (Plume Correlation Parameter). The propulsion related drags of single, twin, and two-dimensional jet installations, and convergent, convergent-divergent, and plug nozzles are shown to correlate with the two parameters. An example of the prediction system utilization is also presented.