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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

fluidic compression, scramjet engine, high-speed applications, fuel injection

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

A scramjet (supersonic-combustion ramjet) is a theoretical engine which, like a ramjet, converts the velocity of the inlet air into pressure. This “ram” pressure compresses the fluid stream entering the engine prior to fuel injection and combustion. In a ramjet, the incoming air is slowed to subsonic speeds (speeds less than the speed of sound) before combustion occurs. In a scramjet, the air stream remains supersonic throughout the process. This feature gives the scramjet potential in high-speed applications such as hypersonic aircraft and space-transport systems. One of the main problems facing scramjet development is controlling the behavior of the shock waves that occur in supersonic flow. For these engines to work, the geometry of the engine inlet must be designed in such a way as to place the shock waves in optimum position. Unfortunately, a given inlet configuration will correctly place the shock waves for only one specific flight Mach number. Thus, most current scramjet models call for a variable-geometry inlet. Such an inlet is complex and adds significantly to vehicle weight.

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