Design of Hypersonic Scramjet Engine Operating Between Mach 5 to Mach 9

About Course

The Design of Hypersonic Scramjet Engine Operating Between Mach 5 to Mach 9 course provides a deep dive into the principles, design, and performance analysis of air-breathing propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles. Scramjet engines play a crucial role in next-generation aerospace technologies, enabling high-speed flight for missiles, spaceplanes, and reusable launch systems. This course explores the fundamental concepts of supersonic combustion, shockwave interactions, and stream thrust analysis, equipping learners with the knowledge needed to design and analyze scramjet components such as inlets, isolators, combustors, and nozzles. With a strong emphasis on computational modeling and MATLAB-based simulations, this course bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application in hypersonic propulsion.

Designed for aerospace engineers, CFD specialists, propulsion researchers, and students, this course covers key aerodynamic challenges, including thermal management, Mach number variations, and fuel-air mixing efficiency. Learners will gain hands-on experience in numerical simulations and MATLAB programming, allowing them to evaluate pressure distributions, temperature variations, and combustion stability in scramjet engines. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the analytical tools and technical knowledge to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in hypersonic propulsion technology, with applications in defense, space exploration, and high-speed transport systems.

Abstract:

In recent years due to its high performance and efficiency, scramjet engine (also recognized as supersonic combustion ramjet) has gained remarkable significance in the field of hypersonic air-breathing propulsion. The idea behind this research is to develop a rapid design tool for quick estimation of scramjet configuration for hypersonic range of Mach 5 to Mach 9. This paper includes preliminary design of each scramjet component namely; inlet, isolator, combustor and nozzle. Based on the reliability and accuracy of available scramjet thrust estimation methods, stream thrust analysis method is selected for thrust estimation of designed scramjet engine. The paper focuses on establishing a generic MATLAB code which enables the user to design scramjet geometry at various design point conditions which would later be used for a variety of applications including missile propulsion systems and space access missions. The code is developed by integrating design algorithms of each scramjet component and stream thrust analysis. This code enables user to easily determine the configuration and design parameters of the scramjet based on user defined inputs such as altitude, free-stream Mach (between Mach 5 to Mach 9), exit Mach, inlet height and fuel. While, geometry of scramjet and stream thrust calculation results are obtained as output. Lastly, configuration and design parameters of designed scramjet is compared with existing scramjet engines to conclude and verify the results of the MATLAB code.

Link:

10.1109/ICASE48783.2019.9059159

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What Will You Learn?

  • understand the fundamentals of hypersonic propulsion and scramjet engine operation
  • learn about the design and functionality of scramjet components including inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle
  • analyze shockwave interactions and supersonic combustion processes
  • gain hands-on experience with matlab-based modeling for scramjet performance evaluation
  • study the effects of mach number, temperature, and pressure on engine efficiency
  • explore the challenges of high-speed aerodynamics and thermal management in hypersonic vehicles
  • learn how to implement stream thrust analysis for evaluating scramjet performance
  • compare scramjet engine performance with conventional propulsion systems
  • apply computational fluid dynamics (cfd) concepts to high-speed air-breathing engines
  • explore real-world applications of scramjets in missile technology, spaceplanes, and high-speed transport

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Hypersonic Propulsion
Basics of hypersonic flight and its applications Differences between ramjets, scramjets, and rocket engines Why scramjets are ideal for Mach 5 to Mach 9 flight Overview of supersonic combustion and shockwave compression

Module 2: Scramjet Engine Architecture
Components of a scramjet engine: Inlet – Capturing and compressing airflow Isolator – Managing shockwave interactions Combustor – Supersonic fuel-air mixing and combustion Nozzle – Expanding and accelerating exhaust flow Advantages of air-breathing propulsion over rockets Challenges in high-speed aerodynamics and thermal management

Module 3: Inlet Design and Shockwave Compression
Role of the scramjet inlet in capturing high-speed air Types of inlets: External Compression Inlet Internal Compression Inlet Mixed Compression Inlet (Selected for this study) Oblique shockwave formation and Mach deceleration Mach distribution, pressure recovery, and flow separation issues

Module 4: Isolator Design and Shockwave-Boundary Layer Interaction
Importance of shock trains and boundary layer interactions Types of shockwave interactions in supersonic internal flows Selection criteria for isolator length and Mach entry conditions MATLAB-based modeling of isolator geometry

Module 5: Combustor Design and Fuel Selection
Fundamentals of supersonic combustion (scramjet mode) Comparison of hydrogen vs. hydrocarbon fuels (JP-7, JP-8) Understanding fuel-air equivalence ratio and combustion efficiency Supersonic mixing layer development and combustor length estimation Preventing thermal choking and excessive shockwave losses

Module 6: Nozzle Design and Flow Expansion
Role of Single Expansion Ramp Nozzle (SERN) in scramjets Prandtl-Meyer function and expansion fan behavior Calculating exit velocity, Mach number, and pressure ratios MATLAB-based nozzle geometry and performance analysis

Module 7: Stream Thrust Analysis and MATLAB Implementation
Understanding scramjet performance metrics Specific impulse, thrust coefficient, and overall efficiency Implementing a MATLAB-based design tool Interpreting Mach, temperature, and pressure distributions Comparing simulation results with real-world scramjet engines

Module 8: Applications and Future Developments
Scramjets in missile propulsion, spaceplanes, and high-speed transport Latest advancements in hypersonic vehicle development Future challenges in fuel efficiency, thermal protection, and maneuverability

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