Innovative Airbreathing Propulsion Concepts for Access to Space


Book Description

This paper will present technologies and concepts for novel aeropropulsion systems. These technologies will enhance the safety of operations, reduce life cycle costs, and contribute to reduced costs of air travel and access to space. One of the goals of the NASA program is to reduce the carbon-dioxide emissions of aircraft engines. Engine concepts that use highly efficient fuel cell/electric drive technologies in hydrogen-fueled engines will be presented in the proposed paper. Carbon-dioxide emissions will be eliminated by replacing hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen, and reduce NOx emissions through better combustion process control. A revolutionary exoskeletal engine concept, in which the engine drum is rotated, will be shown. This concept has the potential to allow a propulsion system that can be used for subsonic through hypersonic flight. Dual fan concepts that have ultra-high bypass ratios, low noise, and low drag will be presented. Flow-controlled turbofans and control-configured turbofans also will be discussed. To increase efficiency, a system of microengines distributed along lifting surfaces and on the fuselage is being investigated. This concept will be presented in the paper. Small propulsion systems for affordable, safe personal transportation vehicles will be discussed. These low-oil/oilless systems use technologies that enable significant cost and weight reductions. Pulse detonation engine-based hybrid-cycle and combined-cycle propulsion systems for aviation and space access will be presented. Whitlow, Jr., Woodrow and Blech, Richard A. and Blankson, Isaiah M. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2001-210564, E-12529, NAS 1.15:210564




Scramjet Propulsion


Book Description

Scramjet Propulsion Explore the cutting edge of HAP technologies with this comprehensive resource from an international leader in her field Scramjet Propulsion: A Practical Introduction delivers a comprehensive treatment of hypersonic air breathing propulsion and its applications. The book covers the most up-to-date hypersonic technologies, like endothermic fuels, fuel injection and flameholding systems, high temperature materials, and TPS, and offers technological overviews of hypersonic flight platforms like the X-43A, X-51A, and HiFIRE. It is organized around easy-to-understand explanations of technical challenges and provides extensive references for the information contained within. The highly accomplished author provides readers with a fulsome description of the theoretical underpinnings of hypersonic technologies, as well as critical design and technology issues affecting hypersonic air breathing propulsion technologies. The book’s combination of introductory theory and advanced instruction about individual hypersonic engine components is ideal for students and practitioners in fields as diverse as hypersonic vehicle and propulsion development for missile defense technologies, launch aerospaceplanes, and civilian transports. Over 250 illustrations and tables round out the material. Readers will also learn from: A thorough introduction to hypersonic flight, hypersonic vehicle concepts, and a review of fundamental principles in hypersonic air breathing propulsion Explorations of the aerothermodynamics of scramjet engines and the design of scramjet components, as well as hypersonic air breathing propulsion combustors and fuels Analyses of dual-mode combustion phenomena, materials structures, and thermal management in hypersonic vehicles, and combined cycle propulsion An examination of CFD analysis, ground and flight testing, and simulation Perfect for researchers and graduate students in aerospace engineering, Scramjet Propulsion: A Practical Introduction is also an indispensable addition to the libraries of engineers working on hypersonic vehicle development seeking a state-of-the-art resource in one of the most potentially disruptive areas of aerospace research today.




A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs


Book Description

Rocket and air-breathing propulsion systems are the foundation on which planning for future aerospace systems rests. A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs assesses the existing technical base in these areas and examines the future Air Force capabilities the base will be expected to support. This report also defines gaps and recommends where future warfighter capabilities not yet fully defined could be met by current science and technology development plans.
















Annual Progress Report


Book Description