Numerical investigation of an add-on thrust vector control kit

Instead of developing new guided missiles, converting unguided missile into guided ones by adding guidance and control kits has become a global trend. Of the most efficient and widely used thrust vector control (TVC) techniques in rocketry is the jet vanes placed inside the nozzle divergent section. Upon deflecting them, lift created on the vanes is transferred to the rocket generating the desired control moment. The present study examines the concept of using an add-on jet vane TVC kit to a plain nozzle. The impact of adding the kit with different vanes locations and deflection angles is numerically investigated by simulating the flow through the nozzle with the kit. Two hinge locations are examined namely, at 24% and 36% of nozzle exit diameter. For each location, angles of deflection namely 0o, 5o, 10o, and 15o are examined. Focus is made on variation of control force, thrust losses, lift and drag on vanes, jet inclination, and jet flow structure with TVC kit design parameters.