Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 March 2016
Geometric model of a lobed mixing exhaust system is created and its flow field is simulated by using the steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations under the condition of different core flow inlet swirl angles. According to the numerical simulation results, due to the guidance effect of the lobe parallel side wall, the structure and vorticity of streamwise vortices change little near the lobe exit with inlet swirl angle, and it is the same with the thermal mixing efficiency. As the flow develops, although the inlet swirl angle has limited influence on the streamwise vorticity, it greatly affects the structure of streamwise vortices. It causes the thermal mixing efficiency to increase with the swirl angle. As for the total pressure recovery coefficient, it falls slightly when the inlet swirl strengthens. At the nozzle exit, the total pressure recovery coefficient of CFISA = 30° model is 0.5% lower than CFISA = 0° model. Moreover, as the inlet swirl strengthens, the thrust fall of lobed mixing exhaust system gradually accelerates, especially when the inlet swirl angle is over 15°.