Ramjet Engine: How Does It Work at Subsonic Speeds?

In summary, a ramjet engine is a type of air-breathing jet engine that operates without rotating parts and relies on forward motion to compress air. At subsonic speeds, the engine uses the compression of incoming air to ignite fuel and produce thrust. This process is achieved through a series of cones and diffusers within the engine that slow down and compress the air. Fuel is then injected and ignited, creating a continuous combustion process that propels the aircraft forward. At subsonic speeds, the ramjet engine is efficient and can provide high thrust, making it a preferred choice for missiles and other hypersonic vehicles.
  • #1
Gazza2907
4
0
I think i know how the ramjet works at supersonic speeds, because of the shock wave the air particles traveling through the inside of the tube converge and bump into each other and because the air cannot expand it slows down, increasing the pressure, so when the air escapes it expands very quickly accelerating the rocket.

But how does this system work without the shock wave (at subsonic speeds) does the air just move through the tube slower because it's an enclosed space and the air can't expand if it the particles bump into each other?

Anything else you know about how the ramjet works would be good as well.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is a ramjet engine and how does it work at subsonic speeds?

A ramjet engine is a type of air-breathing jet engine that does not have any moving parts. It works by using the forward motion of the aircraft to compress incoming air, which is then mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. The hot exhaust gases are then accelerated out of the engine to create thrust. At subsonic speeds, the ramjet engine operates similarly to a turbojet engine, but without the use of a compressor.

2. What are the advantages of using a ramjet engine at subsonic speeds?

One of the main advantages of using a ramjet engine at subsonic speeds is its simplicity. With no moving parts, the engine is more reliable and requires less maintenance. Additionally, the lack of a compressor reduces the weight and complexity of the engine, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Ramjet engines also have a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing for faster acceleration and higher speeds.

3. Can a ramjet engine work at supersonic speeds?

No, a ramjet engine is only efficient at subsonic speeds. As the speed of the aircraft increases, the air entering the engine is compressed and heated to a much higher temperature, resulting in a loss of efficiency. At supersonic speeds, a ramjet engine would not be able to provide enough thrust to sustain flight.

4. How does a ramjet engine differ from a turbojet engine?

A ramjet engine differs from a turbojet engine in several ways. Firstly, a ramjet engine has no moving parts, while a turbojet engine has a compressor to compress incoming air. This makes the ramjet engine simpler, lighter, and more efficient. Secondly, a ramjet engine operates more efficiently at higher speeds, while a turbojet engine is more efficient at lower speeds.

5. Are there any limitations to using a ramjet engine at subsonic speeds?

While a ramjet engine has many advantages at subsonic speeds, there are also limitations. One limitation is that the engine requires a certain amount of forward motion to function properly, meaning it cannot be used for takeoff or landing. Additionally, the lack of a compressor means that the engine is not suitable for use at low altitudes where the air is less dense. This limits the potential applications of ramjet engines to high-speed aircraft or missiles.

Similar threads

Convergent Subsonic Ramjet Utilizing Shockwave Compression
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
16
Views
3K
Ramjet artillery shell of a big size
    • Aerospace Engineering
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
A few questions about airflow and filters...
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Can a Railgun-Powered Ramjet Solve the Challenges of High-Speed Travel?
    • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Subsonic airbreathing engines and inlet blade angle
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Can a Hybrid Lightning Jet Engine Outperform a Traditional Jet Engine?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
Revolutionize Air Travel with Electrothermal Ramjet Technology
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Fusion aerospace propulsion systems for the near future
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
23
Views
4K
Measuring the Speed of Sound in Water, Using Faraday's Law
    • General Engineering
Replies
14
Views
2K
Automotive Ozone Enhanced Combustion of Water/Diesel Emulsion in CI Engines
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top