An investigation of the combustion behavior of solid fuel ramjets

Abstract

An experimental and analytical investigation was conducted of the combustion behavior in solid fuel ramjets. The effects of configuration variables on combustion performance were experimentally determined. Air ducting methods were found to affect combustion efficiency through port flow rates, bypass dump momentum and geometry and bypass ratio. Bypass configurations with plexiglas fuel altered the heat transfer mechanisms within the port and decreased combustion efficiency. The analytical model was found to be in qualitative agreement with experimental data. Finite rate kinetics and radiative transfer to the fuel surface will be required in the model to obtain more quantitative accuracy. (Author)