An investigation of the reacting and non-reacting flow characteristics of solid fuel ramjets

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to determine the relation- ship between the non-reacting and the reacting flow characteristics of solid fuel ramjets. Polymethylmethacrylate fuel grains were burned in a ramjet motor on a thrust stand. Combustion efficiency, regression rate profile and pressures were determined for the reacting flows and compared to pro- files obtained in non-reacting flows for velocity, pressure, and near-wall and centerline turbulence intensity. Near-wall turbulence profiles were in agreement with the fuel regression profiles obtained in reacting flows. Combustion efficiency was found to be a strong function of mixture ratio. Near-wall mixing significantly increased fuel regression rate.