Effect of strut schemes on combustion characteristics in innovative combined ramjet engine

Abstract

The Mach 6-capable turbine based combined cycle engine is a potential first-stage propulsion for TSTO mission. In order to improve thrust-to-weight ratio, an innovative tandem combined ramjet engine-FABRE (Fan Augmented Air-Breathing Ramjet Engine) is designed utilizing a versatile multi-mode combustor working at both high-speed ramjet mode and low-speed turbocharged mode. Employing the strut as mixer and flame holder in multi-mode combustor presents theoretical advantages. Nonetheless, a thorough investigation into its practical feasibility and combustion characteristics is essential. This paper experimentally verifies the feasibility of strut approach in multi-mode combustor at various speeds and evaluates the effects of different strut schemes on flow field structure, thermodynamic characteristics, and combustion performance via simulation. The experimental results affirm that employing the strut scheme as a combustion organization method enables the multi-mode combustor to operate effectively under diverse inflow conditions at both high and low speeds. Simulation results further validate that these strut solutions consistently demonstrate superior combustion performance. Additionally, the influences of the strut geometry on heat release and high-temperature area are highly consistent with its effects on combustion efficiency. At low speed, wider struts lead to increased combustion efficiency, while at high speed, they initially rise before declining with further widening. Regardless of speed, increasing strut slant angle consistently reduces efficiency. At low speed, widening the strut lowers the total pressure recovery coefficient, peaking at 45° with varying strut slant angle. Conversely, at high speed, changes in strut width minimally impact, while increasing strut slant angle reduces the coefficient. These conclusions provide valuable insights for the optimization of combustion organization in the design of combined ramjet engine with a wide range of operating conditions.