Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 June 2016
One of the main problems associated with the “ Jet Flap ” concerns the discrepancy in thrust between idealised theory and the experimental results. This discrepancy is attributable to the mixing with the surrounding flow of the thin two-dimensional jet while still in close proximity to the aerofoil. The effect of the mixing may be calculated to a first approximation from a formula derivable from first principles, while certain second order effects, which can be significant, may be considered qualitatively.
It is concluded that.
(i) the full thrust should be experienced by a jet flapped aircraft at cruise,
(ii) it should be possible to attain a low form drag at cruise in comparison with a conventional aircraft,
(iii) at take-off, an aircraft using a shrouded jet flap would have better thrust recovery than one using a pure jet flap (which shows appreciable losses),
(iv) the use of by-pass engines would further improve the thrust characteristics,
(v) the practical gains from thrust augmentation, as obtained by controlling the mixing, seem likely to be small.