Ramjet compression system for a hypersonic air transportation vehicle combined cycle engine

Abstract

This report assesses the performance characteristics of a ramjet compression system in the application of a hypersonic vehicle. The vehicle is required to be self-powered and perform a complete flight profile using a combination of turbojet, ramjet and scramjet propulsion systems. The ramjet has been designed to operate between Mach 2.5 to Mach 5 conditions, allowing for start-up of the scramjet engine. Multiple designs, including varying ramp configurations and turbo-ramjet combinations, were investigated to evaluate their merits and limitations. Challenges arose with attempting to maintain sufficient pressure recoveries and favourable flow characteristics into the ramjet combustor. The results provide an engine inlet design capable of propelling the vehicle between the turbojet and scramjet phase of flight, allowing for the completion of its mission profile. Compromises in the design, however, had to be made in order to allow for optimisation of other propulsion systems including the scramjet nozzle and aerodynamics of the vehicle; it was concluded that these compromises were justified as the vehicle uses the ramjet engine for a minority of the flight profile as it transitions between low supersonic to hypersonic conditions.