A Theoretical Study on the Characteristics of Scramjet

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of scramjet engines in a theoretical manner that are indispensable for hypersonic flight. The study is focussed on the following topics- types of fuels used in scramjets, Brayton cycle for scramjet, the hypersonic air intake, speed for compression, the combustion chamber that enables combustion due to air-fuel mixing and the nozzle that propels exhaust. A thermodynamic and fluid dynamics related study has been done for investigating the parameters that affect the performance and efficiency of a scramjet. Further, some design characteristics have also been discussed such as inlet design, nozzle design, combustor geometry, etc. Subsequently, with the aid of studies involving simulation tools to carry out CFD analysis, an understanding of how shock wave train, scramjet’s operating envelope and mixing processes affect the efficiency has been presented.