A Quasi-one-dimensional mixing and combustion code for trajectory optimisation and design studies

Abstract

A theoretical description of a fuel-air mixing loss model is derived from first principles and placed within a quasi-one-dimensional scramjet combustor code. This code is then compared with experimental and multidimensional computational fluid dynamics results from the literature. Quasi-one-dimensional results compare well against published data and show that this approach is suitable for conceptual design and vehicle performance studies. Results also show that total pressure loss due to fuel-air mixing is about the same magnitude as losses due to friction. The performance of a generic, full scale scramjet using both hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels, over a flight Mach number range of 5-15 is then investigated. Thrust loss due to skin friction and mixing are shown to be significant.