A NUMERICAL MODEL FOR SCRAMJET AND RAMJET EFFICIENCY STUDY DURING DUAL AND INDIVIDUAL MODES OF OPERATION

Abstract

Hypersonic airbreathing propulsion, specifically scramjet technology, represents a transformative advancement in high-speed flight. This literature review examines critical studies and technological developments that have contributed to our understanding and implementation of scramjet systems. The primary reference is the comprehensive resource provided by Utah State University, which offers detailed insights into various propulsion systems. Acknowledgements are due to Dora E. Musielak, Ph.D., for her contributions through the AIAA Training Course on Hypersonic Air Breathing Propulsion in 2018. Foundational efforts by Heiser and Pratt (1995) laid the groundwork for theoretical and practical aspects of hypersonic propulsion. Significant advancements include the development and testing of the X-43A vehicle, achieving Mach 10, and subsequent studies addressing materials, thermal protection, and aerodynamic heating challenges. Further research has optimized scramjet performance through advanced design techniques and computational simulations. This review highlights contributions from notable works on scramjet inlets, combustion systems, propulsion system airframe integration, and numerical simulations of thermodynamic nonequilibrium. The innovative design of the Rectangular-to-Elliptical Shape Transition (REST) scramjet inlet/engine is also discussed, showcasing the progress in hypersonic propulsion technology. In addition to reviewing the literature, this study presents a Python code developed for modeling scramjets or ramjets with options for normal shocks or combined shocks. The code allows users to study one of three models and analyze efficiency against inlet Mach number or turning angles. It also demonstrates the difference in performance under dual nature ramjet/scramjet operations, providing a practical tool for evaluating and comparing propulsion system efficiencies.