Design and Numerical Analysis of an Archerfish-Inspired Multi-Mode Nozzle Configuration

Adaptive and multi-functional nozzle actuation is highly demanded for modern aero-propulsion systems. Realizing integrated thrust vectoring, variable exit-area adjustment and reverse-thrust generation within a compact layout still poses substantial challenges. Inspired by archerfish’s integrated flow-regulation mechanism, which relies on coordinated oral bones and muscles to generate asymmetric oral deformation for jet shaping, direction control and flow-passage switching, this paper develops a nozzle actuation mechanism drawing on the kinematics of the archerfish jaw-operculum system. The design integrates pitch vector adjustment, variable exit-area modulation (full-closure included), and reverse-thrust generation. A single electric-cylinder-linkage assembly drives the nozzle exit, while lead-screw actuators govern the operculum-mimicking flow-diversion structure for reverse-thrust switching. Validated by kinematic analysis and three-dimensional flow-field simulations, the mechanism delivers a maximum continuous geometric pitch deflection of 36° within 8 s and stepless exit-area adjustment ranging from 1.8 × 104 mm2 to full closure. It enables active modulation of jet mixing behaviours and reverse-thrust output for landing deceleration. Compared with conventional nozzles, this bionic configuration achieves a streamlined actuation layout, competitive vectoring performance, continuous area adjustability and reduced control complexity, offering an innovative bionic solution for adaptive aero-propulsion devices.