초록 ▼

A method and arrangement for propelling fluidborne vehicles is disclosed that results in reduction in the overall form drag of certain classes of vehicles. The method and arrangement consists of using a propulsion system with an inlet that circumscribes the transition region between a forebody secti

A method and arrangement for propelling fluidborne vehicles is disclosed that results in reduction in the overall form drag of certain classes of vehicles. The method and arrangement consists of using a propulsion system with an inlet that circumscribes the transition region between a forebody section containing the widest part of the vehicle and a tapered afterbody section of the vehicle to remove fluid from the viscous boundary layer that is generated by the forward portion of the vehicle, and accelerates this boundary layer fluid through a propulsion system in the afterbody portion of the vehicle. Removal of boundary layer fluid can reduce momentum losses which occur in the wake created by various classes of vehicles.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A propulsion system arrangement for a fluidborne vehicle comprising:a vehicle including a forebody section, an afterbody section and a transition region joining the forebody and afterbody sections, the forebody section having an outer surface with a shape diverging from the forward

[ I claim:] [1.] A propulsion system arrangement for a fluidborne vehicle comprising:a vehicle including a forebody section, an afterbody section and a transition region joining the forebody and afterbody sections, the forebody section having an outer surface with a shape diverging from the forward most point of the vehicle to and including the widest portion of the vehicle, the afterbody section having an outer surface with a shape converging inwardly in the rearward direction of the vehicle to a shape with cross-sectional area smaller than that at the transition region and having a central outlet nozzle facing rearwardly therefrom, at least a portion of the surface of the vehicle contacting a fluid medium,a single inlet for inducting fluid from the fluid medium, said inlet located solely in the transition region, the inlet circumscribing a substantial portion of the surface of the vehicle in contact with the fluid medium,pumping means in the afterbody section for inducting the fluid through the inlet and increasing the pressure of the fluid, anda discharge means including the central outlet nozzle for receiving the pressurized fluid from the pumping means and discharging the pressurized fluid from the aft end of the vehicle wherein the velocity of the discharged pressurized fluid is greater than the velocity of the fluid inducted into the inlet and fluid flowing over the afterbody section is substantially free of separation both when the vehicle is propelled at constant speed by the pumping means and when the vehicle is coasting following a reduction in pumping by the pumping means.