Citation

Soderlund RK, Matveev KI. Int. J. Veh. Des. 2010; 53(3): 133-148.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Inderscience Publishers)

DOI

10.1504/IJVD.2010.033826

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Power Augmented Ram (PAR) vehicles are supported by the dynamic air cushion formed by air jets injected below the vehicle platform. An experimental study has been undertaken to determine steady-state pressure distribution under a static PAR model. Main controlled parameters include the jet thickness, platform height, and deflection of the aft flap in a quasi-two-dimensional system. The potential-flow theory with empirical corrections for the jet expansion provides realistic pressure estimations for the high-pressure zone under the platform. Conducted tests confirm high lift efficiency of PAR systems and demonstrate variations in the centre of pressure with changing the aft flap position.