Abstract A ready-made central strut-based rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) engine was numerically investigated in the ejector mode. The flow features in the RBCC inlet and the matching characteristics between the inlet and the embedded rocket during different flight regimes were examined in detail. It was necessary to perform integrated numerical simulations in the ejector mode within considerable pressure far fields around the inlet/exhaust system. The observed flow features and operation characteristics in the RBCC inlet were strongly correlated with the flight conditions, inlet configuration, and operation of the embedded rocket. It was further found that the integrated function status of multiple factors significantly influenced the performance of the RBCC engine in the ejector mode. The two parameters that macroscopically affected the performance most were the air entrainment mass and the drag of the RBCC inlet. To improve these parameters, it is vital to employ an appropriate design of the RBCC inlet and establish the optimal flight trajectory of the flight vehicle.

    Highlights Operational characteristics of a RBCC inlet in ejector mode has been studied by integrated numerical simulation. Matching characteristics between the RBCC inlet and the embedded rocket have been examined. Ejector mode of a RBCC engine was divided into several typical phases corresponding to different working mechanism. Parameters that most macroscopically affected the performance have been identified.


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    Title :

    Numerical analysis of flow features and operation characteristics of a rocket-based combined-cycle inlet in ejector mode


    Contributors:
    Shi, Lei (author) / Liu, Xiaowei (author) / He, Guoqiang (author) / Qin, Fei (author) / Wei, Xianggeng (author) / Yang, Bin (author) / Liu, Jie (author)

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 127 ; 182-196


    Publication date :

    2016-05-25


    Size :

    15 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English