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Attaining hypersonic flight with aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant
Published in American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
2017
Volume: 33
   
Issue: 5
Pages: 1207 - 1217
Abstract
In this paper, experimental results of an aluminized fuel-rich propellant having energetics similar to boron-based fuel-rich propellant and having no residue after combustion are discussed. Using this aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant, which has higher density than the current fuels used for hypersonic flight, this paper looks at enhancing the Mach number envelope of a ramjet. Nondimensional thrust and drag calculations were carried out to identify the air-fuel ratio required for a Mach 6 flight, with different intakes accounting for different pressure recovery. Calculations were carried out with three different intakes, and it was observed that, even with the lowest pressure recovery of 9% at Mach 6, a hypersonic mission was possible. Values for various efficiencies were chosen with great care, and a perturbation analysis was carried out to make the calculations more robust. The specific impulse obtained with the aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant in ramjet mode was 515 s at a 25 km altitude. Comparison of an aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant in ramjet mode was made with a kerosene and hydrogen fueled scramjet from the specific impulse data available in the literature. The specific impulse of the aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant was nearly an order of magnitude higher as compared to a hydrogen fueled scramjet when adjusted to the density of hydrogen. Upon considering a system size, it was also shown that the aluminum-based fuel-rich propellant could meet the burn rate requirement for a Mach 6 flight. © 2017 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the journal
JournalData powered by TypesetJournal of Propulsion and Power
PublisherData powered by TypesetAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISSN07484658
Impact Factor1.868
Open AccessNo
Citation Styleunsrt
Sherpa RoMEO Archiving PolicyGreen
Concepts (16)
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    AIR INTAKES
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    Aluminum
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    Flight envelopes
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    Hypersonic aerodynamics
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    HYPERSONIC INLETS
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    Propellants
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    RAMJET ENGINES
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    AIR FUEL RATIOS
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    Different pressures
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    DRAG CALCULATIONS
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    FUEL-RICH PROPELLANT
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    HYPERSONIC FLIGHTS
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    Perturbation analysis
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    Pressure recovery
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    Specific impulse
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    Fuels