Three-dimensional numerical simulation of the characteristics of a ramjet power plant with a continuous-detonation combustor in supersonic flight

Abstract

Multi-variant three-dimensional numerical simulations demonstrate the feasibility of the continuous- detonation process in an annular combustor of a ramjet power plant operating on hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant in conditions of flight at a Mach number of M₀ = 5.0 and an altitude of 20 km. Conceptual schemes of an axisymmetric power plant, 400 mm in external diameter and 1.3 to 1.5 m in length, with a supersonic intake, divergent annular combustor, and outlet nozzle with a frusto-conical central body are proposed. Calculations of the characteristics of the internal and external flows, with consideration given to the finite rate of turbulent-molecular mixing of the fuel mixture components with each other and with the combustion products, as well as the finite rate of chemical reactions and the viscous interaction of the flow with the bounding surfaces, have shown that, in these flight conditions, the engine of such a power plant has the following performance characteristics: the thrust, 10.7 kN; specific thrust, 0.89 (kN s)/kg; specific impulse, 1210 s; and specific fuel⋅consumption 0.303 kg/(N h). In this case, the combustor can operate with one detonation wave traveling in the annular channel at an average velocity of 1695 m/s, which corresponds to a detonation wave rotation frequency of 1350 Hz. It is shown that, an operating combustor has regions with subsonic flow of detonation products, but the flow is supersonic throughout its outlet section.