CFD-Based Analysis of Divergent Section Deflection for Thrust Vector Control in 2D Nozzles

Abstract

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of thrust vector control (TVC) through mechanical deflection of the divergent section in a 2D convergent-divergent nozzle. Using CATIA, three nozzle configurations with deflection angles of 15°, 20°, and 25° were designed and simulated in ANSYS Fluent under identical boundary conditions. Air was modeled as an ideal gas with temperature-dependent viscosity, and the simulations employed a density-based, steady-state solver with the SST k-ω turbulence model. High-resolution unstructured meshing with wall inflation layers ensured accurate capture of near-wall effects, flow separation, and shock formations. The results reveal how variations in divergent geometry influence internal flow characteristics, including Mach number, pressure distribution, temperature gradients, and mass flow rate. Particular attention was given to the generation and interaction of oblique shock waves at higher deflection angles. The findings provide insight into nozzle performance, thrust deviation, and shock-induced flow asymmetries, contributing to more effective TVC system design in aerospace applications.