Performance of vortex generators in a Mach 2.5 low-bleed full scale 45-percent-internal-contraction axisymmetric inlet

Steady-state and dynamic flow characteristics associated with two sets of vortex generators having different mixing criteria were determined. The inlet performance with and without these vortex generators is presented. The vortex generators were successful in eliminating separation, increasing area-weighted total pressure recovery, and decreasing distortion. Transmission times obtained from cross-correlations of the wall static pressures and the diffuser exit total pressure showed no effect of the upstream flow characteristics on the diffuser exit pressures when generators were used. Without generators, separation occurred and the upstream pressure characteristics had immediate effects on the diffuser exit pressure characteristics.