The Ram Accelerator in Sub-Detonative Velocity Regimes

The purpose of this work is to examine in detail the flow field characteristics of the thermally choked ram accelerator, a novel concept of space launcher. The data derived from these CFD calculations were used to implement a one-dimensional computer code, which has been developed to predict the thrust of this vehicle. The predicted thrust and velocity agree well with values derived from representative experiments at the University of Washington 38-mm-bore facility. The code, which requires simple data input and very low computer capabilities, provides an easy and rapid access to the prediction of the ram accelerator performance in this combustion regime, over a wide range of mixture compositions and fill pressures. This book is a useful guide for students and research scientists addressing CFD simulations. For faculty use, it provides advanced elements of thermochemistry involving real gas equations of state and it shows how to optimize the calculation procedures in 2D reacting flows.

Autorentext

Is a Senior Consultant at Det Norske Veritas London. He received his PhD in Aeronautical engineering from the Laboratory of Combustion and Detonation at ENSMA-France. His research interest includes green propellant for internal combustion engines, mechanics of gaseous reacting systems, explosion modeling and detonations at elevated pressures.