Modeling, Analysis, and Optimization of theAir-Turborocket Expander Engine

Abstract

The air turborocket is a high-speed airbreathing engine that represents an evolution of the turbojet and rocket motor. The capabilities of the air-turborocket expander were first assessed through a complete theoretical study of the thermodynamic cycle. This analytical study allowed the identification of the relevant nondimensional parameters in the cycle analysis and performance. A numerical model based on differential-algebraic equations was developed using an object oriented simulation tool. Parametric analyses were carried out to evaluate the performance and identify design tradeoff compromises. Finally, the expander cycle was optimized for the acceleration phase of an antipodal hypersonic vehicle fueled by hydrogen, considering the trajectory and constraints set by the thrust requirement, air mass flow captured by the intake in the supersonic regime, and engine transversal area. The objective was to minimize the power required by the turbomachinery, and the outcome was the design operating line.