Turbine Based Combination Cycle (TBCC) Propulsion Subsystem Integration

Abstract

Allison Advanced Development Company (AADC) and SPIRITECH Advanced Products Inc. (SPIRITECH) have just completed the first phase of a program that has the objective of exploring the issues involved with the integration of a Turbine Based Combination/Combined Cycle (TBCC) propulsion subsystem. The Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PRA) sponsored this work. AADC is an industry leader in the development of high Mach turbine engine technology under the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) and Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE) programs. AADC has developed TBCC advanced propulsion subsystem concepts for both access to space and military applications for a number of years. Recent examples include participation in NASA’s Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator (RTA) program and the Air Force / NASA sponsored Reusable Combined Cycle Flight Demonstrator (RCCFD) program. AADC teamed with SPIRITECH for this study because of their strong background in developing designs and robust cooled hardware that harness supersonic stoichiometric flow as well as their familiarity with and their ability to analyze the Dual Mode ScramJet (DMSJ). SPIRITECH’s skills and expertise complemented those of AADC. AFRL and NASA personnel also actively participated in this program and the contribution of these teammates was critical to the success of the program. Examination of the specifics of operating a high Mach turbine engine and a DMSJ as an integrated propulsion subsystem over the Mach 0-7 range is an important first step in the preliminary design of a TBCC. Tasks conducted under this program addressed issues associated with the operational sequence of events and thermal management of the integrated propulsion subsystem. This level of insight will provide guidance into the technology development that is required to make these high Mach propulsion systems a reality. This paper describes the approach taken and summarizes the results of the analyses completed under this program. A solid foundation for further TBCC propulsion subsystem development has been laid.